London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone Shows Health Gains, Sparks Global Debate

A 2026 study by Queen Mary University London found that children’s lungs have increased in size and function since the most polluting vehicles were restricted under London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez). The zone, introduced in 2019 and expanded in 2021 and 2023, charges £12.50 a day for vehicles that fail stringent emissions standards. Researchers linked the improvement to the zone’s sharp cut in nitrogen-dioxide levels.

The Guardian

Air-pollution-related premature deaths in London were estimated at 6,000–8,000 per year in the late 2010s. In 2013 the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah was the first UK case where air pollution was recorded as a direct cause of death, a finding confirmed by an inquest in 2020. Mayor Sadiq Khan launched the Ulez in 2019 as a public-health intervention.

The Guardian

• 6,000–8,000 premature deaths per year in London (late 2010s).

The Guardian

• 7 million global deaths annually from air pollution (World Health Organization).

The Guardian

• 110,000 children admitted to London hospitals with breathing difficulties in 2024.

The Guardian

• Sofia’s low-emissions programme cut average PM10 concentrations by 22 % and halved days exceeding air-quality guidance.

The Guardian

• Nairobi’s air-quality act (2022) targets a 50 % emissions reduction by 2035 and has installed 50 low-cost monitoring stations.

The Guardian

Deputy Mete Coban described the personal abuse the mayor received as “incredible.” Imperial College’s Nick Hopkinson said the findings were expected, noting that “there is always a price. You have to change people’s behaviour, you have to change the transport, the heating, the energy generation.” Oxford’s Chris Griffiths warned that “those who are suffering are those who have done least to cause the pollution.”

The Guardian

Business groups argued that the Ulez would impose “crippling costs,” though no quantitative evidence was presented. A public consultation recorded that 60 % of respondents opposed the scheme. Political opponents within Labour and the broader electorate voiced strong resistance, with some protesters shouting “Nazi” at public meetings.

The Guardian

Cities worldwide are watching London’s experience. Nairobi’s Victor Indasi, lead of the C40 Breathe Cities project, said, “More remains to be done, but Nairobi is firmly on the right trajectory.” Bogotá is preparing its second “Zuma” clean-air zone, expanding cycle lanes and planting trees after winning a global Earthshot prize. Sofia is pioneering a combined transport-and-heating low-emissions zone, while Melbourne’s mayor, inspired by Khan’s speech at COP30, is beginning neighbourhood-level air-quality monitoring.

The Guardian

Improved lung health in children reduces future NHS burdens and long-term cardiovascular risk. Demonstrated reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter provide a template for other megacities confronting traffic-related pollution. The Ulez also illustrates the political challenges of climate-health policies, highlighting the need for robust public communication to counter misinformation.

The Guardian

• “More remains to be done, but Nairobi is firmly on the right trajectory.” — Victor Indasi, Nairobi

The Guardian

• “There is always a price. You have to change people’s behaviour, you have to change the transport, the heating, the energy generation,” — Nick Hopkinson, Imperial College London

The Guardian

• “Those who are suffering are those who have done least to cause the pollution,” — Chris Griffiths, Oxford University

The Guardian