London Air Pollution Deaths Drop 40% Over Five Years

Imperial College London’s analysis finds premature deaths attributable to air pollution fell from an estimated 6,400-8,000 in 2019 to 3,800-5,100 in 2024, a reduction of roughly 40%. The same study records nitrogen-dioxide concentrations down 41% and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) down 28% over the period.

The Guardian

London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) launched in 2019, expanded to inner boroughs in 2021 and citywide in 2023. Vehicles that fail to meet standards pay a £12.50 daily charge; compliance now exceeds 97%. £2.7 million funded indoor air-filter upgrades in primary schools and zero-emission buses rose to over 3,000.

The Guardian

The study links air pollution to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes and respiratory illness. Outer boroughs—Bexley, Havering, Sutton—had the highest death ratios in 2024. Over 100,000 children were hospitalised for breathing problems that year.

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Mayor Khan said the data confirm that decisive action has reduced pollution, improved health outcomes and saved lives, supporting the citywide ULEZ expansion. City Hall stressed the expansion’s importance despite opposition. The Royal College of Physicians called the improvement encouraging and evidence of sustained policy benefit.

The Guardian

Jemima Hartshorn of Mums for Lungs acknowledged the improvement but warned that over 100,000 children were hospitalised for breathing issues in 2024 and that many other UK regions remain more polluted, urging broader action.

The Guardian

Imperial’s revised 2019 death estimate (6,400-8,000) differs from earlier public-health figures (4,000). The report does not isolate ULEZ as the sole driver of improvement, though the mayor attributes gains mainly to that policy. Reasons for higher mortality in outer boroughs are not detailed.

The Guardian

• “Our study highlights two key findings: London’s air quality has improved markedly since 2019, but despite this progress, air pollution remains a serious public health risk.” — Dr David Dajnak, Imperial Environmental Research Group

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• “a powerful reminder that decisive, sustained action can deliver real, measurable benefits for people’s health” — Prof Stephen Holgate, Royal College of Physicians

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• “Over 100,000 children went to hospital with breathing issues in London in 2024. And other cities and regions are still more polluted. Londoners need more action, and so does the rest of the country.” — Jemima Hartshorn, Mums for Lungs

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• “While the independent Imperial report itself does not single out the Ulez or any other policy, Khan said: “The evidence is now overwhelming and unarguable: the bold action we have taken in London has reduced pollution, improved public health and saved lives.” — Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

The Guardian

Mayor Khan will visit an east London primary school on Wednesday, echoing his 2016 pledge to accelerate air-quality measures and showcase school-filter installations.

The Guardian