Greater London Authority
The Pitch
In 2019, the Greater London Authority imposed a charge on any car that failed to meet Europe’s emission standards while driving in the central London area. The first Ultra Low Emission Zone in the world, its success encouraged a shift towards more sustainable, lower-emission modes of transport as well as the electrification of the city’s bus and taxi fleets.
The Problem
After decades of continued growth, London experienced high traffic congestion and rates of air pollution that disproportionately impacted low-income communities.
The Process
- Launched a 21-square-kilometer Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in April 2019 in Central London
- Expanded the zone over time to cover larger parts of the city: In August 2023, the ULEZ completed its expansion to all 32 boroughs, covering the entirety of the Greater London Area
- Tightened emissions standards for buses, coaches and taxis citywide
- Provided $60 million in scrappage schemes to help small businesses, vulnerable Londoners and charities switch to cleaner vehicles and greener transport options
The Impact
- Supported a citywide shift towards more sustainable modes of transport; London now has Europe’s largest electric bus fleet, while all new taxis licensed since 2018 have been electric
- Funded new transport infrastructure: Money from the project was reinvested to improve active mobility infrastructure and public transit
- Improved the quality of London’s air by incentivizing a shift towards cleaner transport: 96% of vehicles seen driving in London now meet ULEZ emission standards; up from just 39% in 2017
- Reduced air pollutants and carbon emissions: NOx emissions are estimated to be 24% lower, PM2.5 exhaust emissions are about 29% lower and CO₂ emissions are about 2% lower
- Eased citywide traffic congestion by 3-9%
- Improved air quality: The number of schools located in illegally polluted areas is expected to reach zero by 2025
- Increased demand for zero-emission vehicles
- Created 1,000 green jobs
- Laid the groundwork for London’s Zero Emission Zone policy which prohibits vehicles that do not meet specified exhaust standards on city streets
