New research led by the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London has examined how London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone has altered people’s travel behaviour across the city.
This builds on previous research which was part of the Children’s Health in London and Luton (CHILL) Study.
The original research found that there was a significant move towards active travel among school children follow the introduction of the ULEZ. In central Lo0ndon 42% of children who has previously travelled to school by car switched to walking, cycling, or public transport, while outside the zone in Luton, only two in ten children made a similar switch..
It was also noted that over the same period, some children went the other way, switching from active to inactive travel. This was seen in 5% of children in London but in 21% of those in Luton.
The new research was based on interviews with families and teachers between November 2022 and March 2023, meaning they took place before the ULEZ expanded across London in August 2023.
Some families reported that the rising costs of car travel and the reduced convenience of driving made active travel more attractive. Those who already walked or cycled felt that the improved air quality made their journeys more enjoyable and some chose longer, more scenic routes home.
On the other hand, some families outside central London felt that life was more difficult now. Money received from the scrappage scheme was often insufficient to allow them to replace their old car with a compliant one.
Some said that public transport in these areas was expensive or poorly connected, leading some to park just outside the zone and walk.
Dr Olivia Alliott, lead author from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, said: ‘Policies like the ULEZ play a crucial role in promoting a healthier school journey for many families. However, a fundamental part of their success is making sure that everyone experiences these benefits by ensuring such policies are implemented alongside accessible and affordable alternatives to driving.
‘Our previous work found that the ULEZ has encouraged children to take up walking and cycling to school. This work identifies some of the possible reasons for that, and highlights both the positive and negative experiences of the ULEZ which are reflected in an individual’s ability to pay the charge and the alternative travel modes available.’
Joint senior author Professor Chris Griffiths from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, said: ‘This important study brings yet another perspective telling us how the ULEZ can affect the way families can live, travel and experience the environment. These systemic effects on society go beyond simply ‘cleaning the city air.”
The full research can be read here.