The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London is changing the children’s journey to school, according to a study published in BMJ Open. The authors highlight how ULEZ is making the journey safer, improving perceptions of air quality, and encouraging children to live healthier lives. But there are challenges, especially for those living further away who rely more on the car and may struggle to adapt.
Road traffic is a significant source of air pollution associated with serious health risks. One in 11 children in London has asthma, a condition worsened by poor air quality. Using the car also limits active travel, such as walking and cycling, which help prevent obesity and chronic illness.
Introduced in 2019, the ULEZ charges high-polluting vehicles that travel through London. This has reduced pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels by 53% in central London, 24% in inner London, and 21% in outer London, while also cutting traffic.
A team led by scientists from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London examined the ULEZ’s impact on school travel. The authors found that 42% of families switched to active travel modes for their school run after the ULEZ was introduced.
In a survey, many of these families said the rising costs of car travel and reduced convenience made active travel more appealing. Those already walking or cycling to school discussed how less pollution made the journey more enjoyable and healthier. With less traffic, some families also started taking longer scenic routes home, which meant more time together being active. Teachers reported fewer asthma symptoms in their students and noted that safer streets encouraged more outdoor play.
Despite these benefits, adapting to the ULEZ has been challenging for families living outside central London. The scrappage scheme helped some families change their vehicles, but it doesn’t fully cover the cost of a new car that is compliant with ULEZ. Many of these families describe public transport as expensive or with poor connections in these areas. Some families opted to park outside the zone and walk, while others decided to continue driving as it remained their most affordable option. Overall, this study shows the inequalities in access to cleaner, greener travel, calling for faster investment in affordable, well-connected transport options across all boroughs.
“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,” said Dr. Olivia Alliott, lead author from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge. “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.
Alliott, O, et al. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and active travel to school: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of children, families and teachers. BMJ Open; 03 March 2025; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091929