Since the ULEZ expanded up to, but not including the North and South Circular roads, compliance levels with ULEZ emissions standards have increased to 93.8% in May 2022, up from 86.9% in the weeks before the zone expanded.
There were also around 21,000 fewer vehicles in the zone compared to pre-scheme levels. Furthermore, NO2 concentrations in inner London are estimated to be 20 per cent lower than they would have been without the ULEZ and its expansion. In central London, NO2 concentrations are estimated to be 44% lower.
Six months on from the ULEZ expansion and over a year on from the enforcement of tighter LEZ standards the data indicate that these schemes are having a significant impact on the number of older, more polluting vehicles seen driving in London and the levels of harmful pollution Londoners are exposed to.
Some main takeaways:
- A bigger share of vehicles in London are cleaner
- There are fewer older, more polluting vehicles in the zone
- The Low Emission Zone continues to have an impact
- Drivers are ditching diesel cars
- People in the zone are breathing cleaner air
Whilst the results have shown significant change in air pollution and congestion in central and inner London, there is still more to do to ensure that all Londoners can experience the benefits of cleaner air. TfL believes significant air quality improvements are possible in parts of outer London not currently covered by the ULEZ. This is why the Mayor has asked TfL to consult on proposals for expanding the ULEZ London-wide from August 2023. Londoners can give their views on the expansion by responding to Transport for London’s consultation at tfl.gov.uk/clean-air until 29 July 2022.
