To help clear London’s air and improve public health, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding across all London boroughs from 29th August 2023.
“Exposure to air pollution has health effects at every stage of life, from before birth into old age. The damage is sometimes gradual, and may not be apparent for many years.” - Royal College of Physicians
Your Health
London’s toxic air leads to 4,000 premature deaths each year. Over half a million Londoners suffer from chronic asthma, and are especially vulnerable. Every hospital admission caused by toxic air is also a big drain on the NHS. Air pollution is particularly harmful to children and can reduce the growth of their lungs by 5%, leading to chronic respiratory problems.
For years now our government has failed to bring the UK within legal limits, let alone the World Health Organization guidelines. The mayor has announced that the ULEZ will cover all of Greater London starting in August 2023. This will protect the whole of Ealing borough – at the moment only the Acton end within the North Circular, is protected. The expansion is expected to take 44,000 of the most polluting cars off the road by the end of 2023.
Scrappage Grants
Fewer than one in six Outer London cars will have to pay the ULEZ charge. Only the most polluting cars pay. The mayor is giving £110 million in scrappage grants to Londoners on low incomes, charities, and small businesses whose vehicles would have to pay the charge. This grant can enable the owner to buy a cleaner vehicle exempt from the charge, or to buy a bicycle or electric cargo bike and have a lot of money left over, or to receive a payment of higher total value including free public transport for two years.
Funding Better Transport
By law the income from the ULEZ can only be spent only on improving transport. To provide a good alternative to driving, the mayor has announced a major expansion of the bus network in Outer London. Improving public transport is vital for low-income Londoners, most of whom cannot afford a car. They also tend to live in the areas with the worst air. More cycle paths should be provided. Encouraging people to cycle by making it safe both reduces pollution and improves Londoners’ health.
Popular
Most Londoners favour a reduction in vehicle emissions, to reduce the destruction caused by climate breakdown, and to improve air quality. One recent poll shows that Londoners want the zone to be expanded London-wide, with nearly twice as many Londoners supporting the expansion than opposing it.
Protecting Londoners’ health and especially children, has to come first. Friends of the Earth supports the expansion of ULEZ. For further information see this full report on the ULEZ and FoE’s Air Pollution overview.
How you can help
When driving, avoid idling your engine when stationary for long periods. It reduces pollution, and your fuel bill too.
Walk or cycle – they are the cleanest and healthiest ways to travel.
Use electric public transport – especially rail as there is no dust from tyre wear (or from modern regenerative braking).
Don’t install solid-fuel fires such as log or coal burners. Even the better ones are becoming serious pollution sources – there is likely to be pressure to prohibit them.
