School run by car cut by ULEZ

Schoolchildren in London’s Ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) were nearly four times more likely to switch to waling and cycling to school since the scheme was introduced compared with those living outside the zone, according to new research. The study followed the travel habits of nearly 2,000 children over a two-year period in both London and Luton.

The ULEZ was introduced in a bid to cut down on traffic-related air pollution that is known to have significant health effects on children including neurodevelopment, cognitive ability, and lung function.

The authors of the study said that further research will be needed but that there is evidence for other cities about the potential impact that clean air zones can have. “This study is important because it addresses multiple, interconnected health issues that children face today,” said Dr Christina Xiao, the lead author of the study, and a population health researcher at the University of Cambridge.

“We know that [car and van] use negatively impacts children’s health by reducing opportunities for physical activity and increasing exposure to air pollution, which can contribute to conditions like childhood asthma,” she said.

Until now, she added, there was not enough evidence on the direct impact these policies are having on children. But the research surveyed 1,000 children across 44 schools in central London about how they travelled to school prior to the scheme in 2018-19 and again in 2019-20 after it was introduced.

The same survey was conducted on children outside of the zone in Luton, chosen because it has similar demographic structures and household income levels to the centre of London. There, just two out of every ten children changed their journeys over the same period.

“The Mayor and I are delighted that this study shows our decisive action is having an impact,” London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said. “The decision to introduce the Ultra Low Emission Zone was a major step forward in our work to tackle London’s toxic air. It was a difficult decision, but necessary to save lives.”