ULEZ was introduced nearly five years ago and since 2019, it has helped to dramatically improve the air quality in London. According to a new report by City Hall, the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) has reduced the concentration of toxic gases by nearly 1/3 since 2019.

Initially, ULEZ only affected the main London area inside of the North Circular and South Circle roads. However, in 2024 the zone was expanded to include all of the Greater London boroughs. Since the zone was expanded, streetside nitrogen dioxide concentrations have dropped by 5% and matter from exhaust emissions in outer London have dropped by 31%.

ULEZ aims to help improve the air quality in London by discougoring cars with older or more polluting engines from entering the city. While these vehicles are not banned, there is daily charge enforced to encourage drivers to either use public transport or look at getting a less polluting car, such as an EV.

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan said the following:

“When I was first elected, evidence showed it would take 193 years to bring London's air pollution within legal limits if the current efforts continued. However, due to our transformative policies we are now close to achieving it this year. With boroughs in outer London seeing some of the biggest reductions in harmful emissions and London’s deprived communities also seeing greater benefits, this report shows why expanding ULEZ London-wide was so important. ”

As with anything politically related, the opposing party will have its oppositions. Transport spokesperson and London Assembly member, Keith Prince from the Conservatives said the data relied on:

“maybes, possibilities, assumptions, and straight up fantasy"

The report also found that there were 100,000 fewer non-compliant vehicles driving in London on an average day in September 2024 when compared to June 2023.