London Is Now the World’s Largest Low-Emissions Zone. Was the Fight Worth It?
The city now has fewer dirty cars and better air quality, and while the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone has sparked controversy in the UK, it’s inspired mayors around the world to consider similar plans.
An Ultra Low Emission Zone sign in London.
Photographer: Carl Court/Getty Images
Every driver in London, as of Tuesday, is now subject to strict pollution rules, completing one of the world’s most ambitious vehicle emissions policies and taking the British capital closer to having healthy air.
While the final expansion of the ULEZ, or ultra low emissions zone, is only a continuation of clean air charges that have been tightening since 2008 — under Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London and now his successor Sadiq Khan — this last phase has been the most controversial. That’s because the £12.50 ($15.72) per day levy for most non-compliant vehicles now hits those living in outer boroughs of London, where people tend to be more car dependent and have lower incomes.