Environmental campaigners Clean Cities has released data revealing a zero-emission zone for freight vehicles in central London would save the NHS and healthcare services more than £50m a year, equivalent to the salary of nearly 1,500 nurses.
The report highlights the steps needed from the mayor of London and the government to meet World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines and prevent health conditions such as asthma, heart disease and strokes.
All of London exceeds WHO air pollution guidelines, contributing to the premature deaths of 4,000 Londoners every year.
HGVs and vans make up 20% of vehicles in inner London and account for 39% of all NOx road transport emissions.
The latest research also shows the capital is falling behind cities in the race to net zero, such as Amsterdam and Stockholm which will have zero emission freight zones operational from next year.
READ MORE: Scotland’s net zero truck fleets need charging points on busy freight routes, report finds
The report calculates that a zero-emission freight zone in central London – prioritising access for electric and pedal powered freight – would reduce CO2 emissions by 285,000 tonnes in 2030 in its first year, roughly equivalent to the total CO2 savings from the first four years of ULEZ.
This level of carbon reduction would reduce ‘damage costs’ to London’s productivity and the environment by almost £90m each year, according to models used by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
UK Head of Clean Cities Oliver Lord said: “London’s renowned leadership on clean air and climate is at risk without a clear pathway to decarbonising freight.
“Outdated policy and an end to incentives such as the scrappage scheme and the Congestion Charge discount is sending a signal that polluting vans and trucks are welcome to dominate our roads.
“By prioritising electric and pedal powered freight, the Mayor can help save our NHS millions of pounds and give businesses greater certainty to invest in climate-friendly fleets.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable city planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
