The implementation of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in central London has had a significant impact on the way children travel to school. Research shows that there has been an increase in the number of inner-city children who are now opting to walk or cycle to school, rather than being driven. This shift towards more active modes of transportation is attributed to the Ulez initiative, which aims to reduce air pollution and improve the overall health of Londoners.
The Impact of the Ulez on Children’s Travel Habits
According to a recent study conducted as part of the CHILL (Children’s Health in London and Luton) research project, four in 10 children who were previously driven to school in central London have now switched to walking, cycling, or using public transport. This amounts to a total of 44 children out of 105 making the switch to more sustainable modes of transportation. In comparison, only two in 10 schoolchildren in Luton, where there is no Ulez in place, have made a similar transition.
The Ulez, which was introduced in April 2019 by Mayor Sadiq Khan, has resulted in a reduction of approximately 9,400 more polluting vehicles entering central London each day. The £12.50-a-day levy imposed by the Ulez may have discouraged some parents from driving their children to school, leading to the increase in walking and cycling among inner-city children.
Changes in Travel Patterns Before and After Ulez
The study included almost 2,000 children aged six to nine, comparing their travel patterns before and after the implementation of the Ulez. In London, 42 percent of children who previously traveled by car have switched to active modes of transportation, while five percent have shifted from active to inactive modes. In Luton, 20 percent of children have transitioned to active modes, while 21 percent have switched to car travel.
Of the 950 children in London, 809 continued to travel to school using green means of transportation after the introduction of the Ulez, while 44 children made the switch from inactive to walking, cycling, or public transport. The report highlighted that the impact of the Ulez on transitioning to active travel modes was most significant for children living more than half a mile away from school, as those who lived closer were already accustomed to walking or cycling.
Factors Influencing Changes in Travel Behavior
The researchers also noted that low traffic neighborhoods and “school streets” could have played a role in encouraging children to opt for active modes of transportation. However, these factors were not directly factored into the study, as many schemes were introduced during or after the research period. Dr. Christina Xiao, one of the study authors from the University of Cambridge, emphasized the positive changes in children’s travel habits associated with the introduction of the Ulez in London, compared to Luton.
Dr. Jenna Panter, another researcher involved in the study, highlighted the significance of changing children’s travel habits in promoting physical activity and improving congestion and air quality. She pointed out that a quarter of car trips during peak morning hours in London are made for school drop-offs, indicating the potential impact of encouraging more sustainable modes of transportation among schoolchildren.
Public Health Benefits of Ulez Implementation
Professor Chris Griffiths from Queen Mary University of London emphasized that interventions like the Ulez, aimed at reducing air pollution, can have broader public health benefits by addressing key factors that contribute to illness. The evidence suggests that clean air zone intervention programs have the potential to improve overall public health by promoting healthier travel habits and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
In conclusion, the implementation of the Ulez in central London has not only led to a reduction in air pollution but has also encouraged more children to walk, cycle, or use public transport to get to school. This shift towards active modes of transportation is a positive step towards improving the health and well-being of inner-city children and addressing the environmental challenges faced by urban areas.