The majority of Londoners will change the way they travel when the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is extended to the North and South Circular routes in October 2021, according to a recent survey by specialist motorbike insurance broker Bikesure.
Bikesure’s ULEZ 2021 Report tracks opinion change over three consecutive years towards the ULEZ and the alternative modes of transport favoured by commuters. The findings were sourced from a survey of 1,000 people from 14-21 June 2021.
The survey states that although 84% of people will continue to ride/drive in the ULEZ following its expansion, 18.6% are set to choose a two-wheeled mobility mode and 20% will switch to an EV or low-emission car.
From those surveyed; 90% of people own cars, 3% own motorbikes and 1.7% own mopeds. Furthermore, 3% used to have a vehicle before the introduction of the ULEZ but now do not, and 20% will ride or drive less due to the ULEZ expansion.
This compares to 65% of Londoners surveyed in 2020 who changed their usual mode of transport and 82% in 2019 who said they were planning to change their usual mode of transport.
According to Bikesure, public transport remains the most popular alternative to petrol cars (36%) in London, followed by walking (25%), while 9% of people have opted to reduce emissions by switching their cars for low-emission scooters, mopeds or motorbikes.
The report states that the ULEZ expansion has accelerated a majority of Londoners’ intentions to buy an EV (73.4%). It goes on to state that 27% of people wouldn’t have considered buying an EV if it weren’t for the introduction/expansion of the ULEZ, while nearly 26% were considering an EV anyway and see the ULEZ as a motivator for change now that EVs meet their needs.
However, despite its potential impact on the cost of the daily commute, some 13.5% of respondents said they plan on sticking with petrol vehicles regardless. Furthermore, commuter approvals of the ULEZ have slightly decreased as almost four million people are set to be impacted by the expansion. This year, 40% of respondents felt it was a good idea, compared almost 45% in 2020.
There has also been a decrease in the amount of people who understood the reasons behind the ULEZ expansion but couldn’t help but feel frustrated by it. This year, 37.5% approve of the ULEZ expansion but are frustrated by its impact on their lives, down on 43% surveyed in 2020.
However, 37% said they feel the introduction of clean air zones across several major UK cities is a positive thing for the country.
Rob Balls, underwriting manager at Bikesure, said: “Our survey shows just how much the ULEZ expansion will shake up how people travel into and around London.
“While travel within the ULEZ will be unavoidable for many commuters and Londoners alike, it is encouraging to see that more people are considering alternative, greener and cheaper methods of transport as a result.”
