New research from the University of Bath has revealed that Greater London’s clean air policies are delivering “significant” public health and economic benefits.
The study of the the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, analysed more than a decade of data, finding that the introduction of the LEZ in 2008 and the ULEZ in 2019 significantly reduced harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10).
As a result, there was a dramatic drop in sick leave in Greater London, and improved mental well-being and substantial cost savings, it found.
When comparing to other areas of England without low emission zones, it found an 18.5% reduction in sick leave, 6.8% drop in incidence of health problems, and a 10.2% decrease in respiratory issues.
The study also reported improvements in happiness, life satisfaction, and reduced anxiety, as well as annual public health savings of more than £37 million, driven by fewer respiratory illnesses and reduced job absenteeism thanks to low emission zones.
The study employed a quasi-experimental method, analysing changes in affected and unaffected areas before and after policy rollout.
The data shows that when LEZ was tightened in Phase 2 (July 2008), NO₂ levels dropped by 5.8% and PM10 by 9.7%. ULEZ, the strictest policy of its kind globally, delivered even greater reductions—NO₂ down 21% and PM10 down 15% estimated by comparing Central London to other areas outside Greater London, before and after ULEZ was introduced.
Professor Eleonora Fichera from the University’s Department of Economics and Centre for 21st Century Public Health said:
“These policies are not just environmental wins. They’re also reducing labour market absenteeism and improving Londoners’ life satisfaction. Clean air makes for healthier, happier, more productive communities.”
Dr Habtamu Beshir, who led the research at the University of Bath and is now based at UCL, said:
“Our work shows that clean air policy is smart policy. It protects health, saves money, and enhances quality of life – making the case for clean air initiatives stronger than ever.”
Professor Eleonora Fichera added:
“With the World Health Organization estimating 4.2 million premature deaths globally each year due to air pollution, these findings signal the urgent need for similar transport policies in other major cities not just in the UK but around the world.”
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