A new study from the University of York has revealed that Bradford’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) generated an estimated £180.84 million in economic benefits in its first 22 months of operation, highlighting a significant financial return from investment in cleaner air.
The analysis, conducted by the university’s Centre for Health Economics (CHE), quantifies the wide-ranging savings from reduced air pollution. The estimated £180 million figure includes reductions in primary care costs, health benefits from avoided illness, and broader societal gains like increased productivity and fewer demands for informal care.
This economic assessment builds directly on earlier health research from the Born in Bradford (BiB) study, which was funded by the National Institute for Health Research. That research found dramatic health improvements following the CAZ launch, including a 25% drop in monthly GP visits for respiratory issues and a 24% reduction for cardiovascular problems.
Before the zone was implemented, air pollution was a contributing factor in a high proportion of respiratory cases, linked to 35% of GP visits and 49% of A&E admissions for breathing issues like asthma. The new economic analysis confirms that tackling this pollution delivers major financial dividends alongside the clear public health benefits.
‘The initial findings underline that tackling air pollution is not only critical for public health but also delivers substantial economic value for Bradford and its communities,’ the researchers stated. The Born in Bradford team will publish further analysis in 2026, providing an even more complete picture of the Clean Air Zone’s impact.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: ‘Bradford’s Clean Air Zone was introduced to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality across the district. By encouraging cleaner vehicles and reducing pollution, the CAZ is now proven to be protecting vulnerable residents, improving long-term health outcomes, and supporting a healthier, more sustainable Bradford for future generations.’
Spokesperson from the York Centre for Health Economics said: ‘This exploratory analysis suggests that the health and wider economic benefits of Bradford’s Clean Air Zone may be substantial. The CAZ appears to be an effective population wide environmental policy, that can deliver measurable improvements in quality of life and economic sustainability.’
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