On August 29, 2023, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was expanded across the entirety of Greater London. The scheme, created and announced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan in November 2022, saw cars that do not meet emission requirements pay a daily fee of £12.50 to drive in the area. Mayor Khan and Transport for London (TfL) created the ULEZ to help clear London’s air and improve health. Research showed that London has poor air quality mainly caused by polluting vehicles.
Since the ULEZ expansion nearly two years ago, it has continued to receive mixed opinions and created debate within local communities. Now, nearly a year since the expansion, we asked Londoners what they think of the scheme and whether it has affected their day-to-day lives.
Londoners had mixed opinions about the ULEZ expansion. Some claimed it had been a positive change, while others were upset by the expansion. One local resident expressed happiness with the ULEZ, stating that they have a compliant car and asthma, making them quite happy with the scheme. Another person opposed the scheme and mentioned plans to move away from London due to the ULEZ restrictions.
Some Londoners liked the idea of the ULEZ but were unhappy with how it was rolled out. One individual appreciated the ULEZ and its positive impact on air quality, while others called for the scheme to be abolished, citing inconvenience and no noticeable difference. Responding to locals’ thoughts, Alex Williams from TfL highlighted the positive effects of the ULEZ expansion in reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality in London.
The ULEZ expansion has been more effective than expected, with a significant reduction in NOx pollutants and PM2.5 exhaust emissions. A scrappage scheme has been introduced to help Londoners transition to cleaner vehicles, with a high percentage of vehicles now compliant with ULEZ standards. The income generated from the scheme is being reinvested in public transport improvements, including bus routes in outer London.
Overall, the ULEZ expansion in London has generated mixed opinions among residents, with some supporting its positive impact on air quality, while others criticize its implementation and inconvenience. Despite the differing views, the ULEZ has shown promising results in reducing harmful emissions and improving the overall environmental quality in the city.