Estimated toxic air-related deaths drop by 40%

Expanding London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) was crucial, Sir Sadiq Khan has claimed, after a new study indicated the predicted number of deaths linked to toxic air in the capital fell by about 40% in five years.

The mayor extended the Ulez across inner London in October 2021, and the whole of the city in August 2023, creating the world's largest pollution fee-charging zone.

The report, commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL), does not isolate the impact of Ulez or any other single policy.

Drivers of vehicles failing to meet minimum emissions standards - and not exempt -must pay a £12.50 daily fee for entering or face a £180 fine.

More than £70m was paid in penalty charge notices by London's drivers in its first six years - 94% of those PCNs were issued to drivers who already had four or more unpaid notices.

A new report by Imperial College London's environmental research group estimated the number of premature deaths in London attributable to air quality was between 3,800 and 5,100 in 2024, a significant drop from 2019's numbers of 6,400 to 8,000.

This new study used "a scientifically stronger approach" than previous efforts, researchers said. An earlier study estimated the number of premature deaths linked to air pollution in 2019 was 4,000.

Researchers also found that fine particulate pollution – extremely small particles that can have a serious impact on health - fell by 28% from 2019 to 2024.

Sir Sadiq said the evidence was "now overwhelming and unarguable"

He added: "The bold action we have taken in London has reduced pollution, improved public health and saved lives.

"From childhood asthma to dementia, we know a wide range of illnesses are linked to air pollution.

"This latest data shows why expanding Ulez London-wide was even more important than we previously thought - and is transforming lives right across our capital."

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