Cambridge University study finds ULEZ changing school run

Admin

March 11, 2025
2 min read

Cambridge University study finds ULEZ changing school run

London’s ULEZ has transformed the school run, a study from Cambridge University has found. It has made streets safer, improved perceptions of air quality, and encouraged healthier lives among children. The study was BMJ Open, and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

It highlighted the benefits many families are taking notice of the ULEZ’s impact. It also revealed the challenges however, especially for those living in outer boroughs where they may be more reliant on a car and could struggle to adapt.

Road traffic is major contributor to air pollution in the capital, posing significant health risks. One in eleven children in London suffers from asthma and poor air quality makes it worse. Car use also restricts opportunities for active travel including walking and cycling, contributing to obesity and chronic illness.

Since its introduction in 2019, ULEZ has reduced levels of the pollutant nitrogen dioxide by 53% in central London, 24% in inner London, and 21% in outer London, while also cutting traffic.

The research, led by scientists from Cambridge University and Queen Mary University of London, looked at its impact on school travel. It was part of the Children’s Health in London and Luton (CHILL) Study which had previously concluded that 42% of children who travelled to school by car switched to more active modes since ULEZ was introduced.

Families highlighted the rising cost of car travel and reduced convenience as having made active travel more appealing. Those who were already walking or cycling discussed how better air quality made their journeys healthier and more enjoyable. With less traffic on the roads, many families took longer and more scenic routes home. This meant that they spent more time together and being active.

Teachers meanwhile reported fewer asthma related symptoms among the students, noting that safer streets was encouraging outdoor play.

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