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The Ultra Low Emission Zone will improve air for more Londoners

ClientEarth Communications

20 September 2021

Air pollution is damaging people’s health and cutting lives short. It affects us all – from when we are in the womb through to old age.

The Government’s own research shows that Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are the most effective way to quickly reduce illegal levels of air pollution in urban areas – a guarantee that they help protect people’s health, fast.

On 25th October 2021, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London, will expand up to the North and South circular roads, protecting even more Londoners from harmful dirty air. The current ULEZ covers only central London.

Air pollution affects us all, especially those who live in cities.

But some people are far more vulnerable to toxic air, including children, older people, and people with chronic illnesses. And across the UK, we’re seeing some people disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution, including people from low income households, people from ethnic minorities, and outdoor and transport workers.

The ULEZ will help to address the illegal pollution that contributed to the death of nine-year old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debra, who last year became the first person to have air pollution listed on their death certificate.

1000

estimated hospital admissions for lung conditions every year triggered by London’s toxic air

60%

of Londoners with asthma will still live outside the new ULEZ

Air pollution is impacting families now.

We can't stop until everyone can breathe clean air.

This expansion of the ULEZ will make it 18 times bigger than it is currently and therefore able to contribute to protecting the health of far more Londoners.

But we need to go further. 60% of Londoners living with asthma or COPD live outside the expanded zone. So we can't stop until everyone can breathe clean air.

We need more action to get the most polluting vehicles off the road across the whole of Greater London and help people and business move on to cleaner forms of transport.

It’s time to help raise awareness and support the ULEZ expansion to show that Londoners want the Mayor of London to take bold action.

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