A survey of 1,000 commuters in London has revealed that 65.3% of respondents changed their usual mode of transport following the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on 8 April 2019.
The report – titled ULEZ Survey 2020 – was commissioned by motorbike insurer Bikesure and carried out by independent market research agency, 3GEM Research and Insights.
It also found that 45.2% of Londoners changed their vehicles 1-3 months after the ULEZ was implemented, while 28.3% changed before the ULEZ was implemented.
As part of the survey, commuters in London were asked which combination of transportation modes and services they changed to after the ULEZ was introduced.
The survey showed that 64% of those who changed their usual mode of transport now use public transport; 43.5% now walk; 22.8% now use a low-emissions car; 19.6% now use a low-emissions motorcycle or scooter/moped; and 17% now use a push bike.
Respondents were also asked how they felt about the ULEZ. Some 44.9% said they thought the ULEZ was a good idea and were glad it was brought in, while 43.2% said they can understand the reasons, but can’t help but feel frustrated by it. Some 11.3%. thought the ULEZ was a bad idea.
The surveyed commuters were also asked how the ULEZ has affected them. Some 31.1% said that the ULEZ doesn’t affect them; 26.7% said they can’t afford to drive/ride in the ULEZ anymore; and 23.7% drive/ride in the ULEZ zone less than they used to.
And when asked about the ULEZ expansion, in which it will expand to the North and South Circular roads in 2021, 30.9% said that they won’t be able to afford to drive/ride in London anymore; 35.1% said that it won’t make a difference to them; 25.3% said they will drive/ride in London less than they do now; and 12.8% will change to a low-emissions mode of transport.
Robert Balls, Bikesure business manager, said: “It’s quite telling that over 30% of people say they won’t be able to afford to drive or ride in London after the expansion.
“It will be very interesting to see how different the city’s roads will look at the start of 2022 compared with the start of 2020.”
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