London is undergoing a transformative shift in how children travel to school due to the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This innovative initiative aims to create a healthier urban environment by significantly reducing vehicular emissions and is making strides in fostering sustainable travel habits among families. A recent comprehensive study published in the esteemed journal BMJ Open, spearheaded by distinguished researchers from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London, provides a detailed account of the remarkable benefits of the ULEZ, while also shedding light on the various challenges that persist, particularly for those residing in outer boroughs.
The ULEZ, which came into effect in 2019, imposes charges on high-polluting vehicles that enter any of London’s boroughs. The initiative has shown promising results in its early years, with Transport for London reporting a substantial reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels—53% in central London, 24% in inner London, and 21% in outer London. These improvements in air quality are paramount, as road traffic remains a major contributor to London’s air pollution, which is linked to serious health implications for the city’s inhabitants, particularly children. Alarmingly, one in every eleven children in London suffers from asthma, a condition exacerbated by poor air quality.
In tandem with the aim of reducing health risks associated with air pollution, the ULEZ encourages active travel among children, such as walking and cycling. Not only does this contribute to better physical health and lower obesity rates, but it fosters a culture of mobility that is less dependent on cars, thus enhancing children’s overall well-being. The CHILL (Children’s Health in London and Luton) Study, which forms part of this research, previously established that 42% of children who typically traveled by car opted for active modes of transportation after the ULEZ was implemented.
Through extensive interviews with 21 families involved in the study and seven teachers from schools that participated in the CHILL initiative, researchers gathered invaluable insights into the nuanced effects of the ULEZ on school travel. Families reported that the financial burden associated with car travel has incentivized a shift towards active transportation methods. The study highlighted that many families who previously relied on cars found the escalating costs and reduced convenience of driving compelling reasons to explore other means of travel.
Moreover, families engaged in active travel reported a newfound enjoyment in their daily journeys. Improved air quality not only enhances the route to school but also encourages children to embrace longer, more scenic paths home. With less traffic on the roads, families can spend more quality time together as they walk or cycle, maximizing opportunities for movement and interaction outside of structured activities. This shift has been positively observed by teachers, who noted a decrease in asthma-related symptoms among students since the ULEZ’s implementation, leading to more outdoor playtime and healthier lifestyles.
Despite the mounting positive outcomes associated with the ULEZ, differing experiences based on geographical location remain a pressing issue. Families residing in outer boroughs express a greater reliance on vehicles, which fuels their resistance to adopting alternative travel modes. The ULEZ scrappage scheme, intended to assist in upgrading older vehicles, has proven insufficient for many, as it often does not cover the full cost of acquiring a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. In these areas, public transport options frequently fall short, being either prohibitively expensive or poorly connected, thus limiting the feasibility of public transportation.
Additionally, some families have taken to parking just outside the ULEZ and walking into the zone, while others continue to drive, citing it as the most convenient and economical option available to them. This ongoing disparity underscores the pressing need for a unified approach to address inequalities in access to cleaner, greener travel options. Policymakers are urged to accelerate investments in affordable and well-connected transportation alternatives across all boroughs to ensure inclusivity in the benefits of ULEZ.
Dr. Olivia Alliott, the lead author of the study from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, emphasized the critical role of policies like the ULEZ in fostering healthier school commutes for families. However, she pointed out that the success of such policies hinges on the availability of accessible alternatives to driving. Dr. Alliott highlighted that while the ULEZ has successfully nudged children toward walking and cycling, understanding the diverse experiences entailed in adapting to the policy is vital for its long-term success.
The research’s insights are indicative of broader patterns that resonate with numerous urban centers worldwide grappling with air quality challenges. Policymakers across the globe can glean valuable lessons from London’s approach to tackling air pollution, especially in how efforts can be tailored to ensure equitable access to healthier travel options for all residents, irrespective of their socioeconomic standing or geographical constraints.
Professor Chris Griffiths, a joint senior author from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at Queen Mary University of London, added to the discussion by asserting that understanding the systemic effects of the ULEZ on families and communities transcends merely improving air quality. The study illuminates how varied experiences are shaped by individual capabilities and the available modes of transportation, thus calling for a thoughtful approach in policy development.
The interviews and findings documented within the study were meticulously conducted between November 2022 and March 2023, prior to the ULEZ expansion which took effect in August 2023 to encompass the majority of Greater London. The considerable implications of that expansion remain to be explored in future research endeavors.
As cities around the world pursue initiatives aimed at enhancing public health and reducing environmental impact, the experience gained from the ULEZ serves as both a guide and a cautionary tale. The dual focus on improving air quality while ensuring that all residents can access the benefits underscores the importance of inclusive urban planning and transport policies. Ultimately, as more cities consider similar low-emission zones, the mixed outcomes observed in London emphasize the necessity for strategic planning that prioritizes not just environmental concerns but also social equity.
In conclusion, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone stands as a pertinent example of how urban policies can shape health outcomes and travel behavior among children. As cities around the globe seek to navigate the complexities of environmental sustainability and public health, learning from the experiences and challenges faced within the context of London’s ULEZ will be vital in forming future frameworks aimed at promoting healthier urban living.
Subject of Research: Active travel to school and the effects of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on children’s journeys.
Article Title: London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and active travel to school: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of children, families and teachers.
News Publication Date: March 3, 2025.
Web References: N/A
References: Alliott, O., et al. (2025). London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and active travel to school: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of children, families and teachers. BMJ Open.
Image Credits: N/A
Keywords: Health, public health, transportation, air quality, children, active travel.
