London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London Mayor Sadiq Khan hailed Ulez’s success after nitrogen dioxide levels fell within legal limits, improving air quality for nearly 10 million residents.
As reported by The Independent, Sir Sadiq Khan called Ulez a major success after government data showed London met legal limits for nitrogen dioxide for the first time.
How did London meet legal air quality limits 184 years early?
Experts at King’s College London predicted in 2019 that London would need 193 years to meet legal pollution limits, but City Hall says Sir Sadiq Khan achieved it in just nine years.
Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show London met air quality standards in 2024 for the first time, while other cities, including Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, exceeded limits.
In August 2023, the mayor of London, Mr Khan, expanded Ulez citywide, creating the world’s biggest zone charging for vehicle pollution.
City Hall reports NO2 pollution at London roadsides has nearly halved 50% since Mr Khan became mayor in 2016.
The mayor pledged to continue action on pollution, planning full electrification of buses and more EV charging across London.
What did Sadiq Khan say about London’s clean air milestone?
Sir Sadiq Khan expresses excitement as London reaches a historic air quality milestone.
He stated,
“This is incredible news. I’m thrilled that London has achieved this historic milestone of meeting the legal limits for nitrogen dioxide for the first time. I remember being told that it would take 193 years to reach legal limits. I decided that this was unacceptable and thanks to the bold policies we put in place, we’ve managed to do it in just nine years – 184 years early.”
Mr Khan said,
“This means that almost 10 million people are now breathing cleaner air, fewer children are growing up with stunted lungs and fewer people will have to suffer from asthma, dementia and heart disease, which means big savings for the NHS.”
The mayor added,
“It wasn’t always easy. When we first introduced the ULEZ and then expanded it London-wide, we faced huge pressure from different quarters who wanted to obstruct and slow us down. But pressing on was the right thing to do. It’s made an even bigger difference that we predicted. I’ll continue to work with the Government, London boroughs and partners to continue building a healthier, greener, fairer London for everyone.”
What did Keith Prince say about Sadiq Khan’s outer London ULEZ?
Keith Prince, the City Hall Conservatives transport spokesman, stated,
“Two years on, Sadiq Khan’s outer London Ulez has slapped drivers with over two million fines and £224m from their pockets, yet pollution levels have barely shifted. This is nothing more than a cash grab to mask his wider failures at City Hall.”
What did Professor Frank Kelly say about London’s air quality turnaround?
Professor Frank Kelly, of the environmental research group at Imperial College London, stated,
“London’s compliance with the UK’s annual mean NO2 limit value in 2024 marks a truly remarkable turnaround for the city’s air quality.”
He added,
“Just five years ago, research we undertook estimated it could take nearly two centuries to reach this milestone without decisive action.”
Caroline Russell’s views on ULEZ’s impact on London’s air
Caroline Russell, Green Party London Assembly member, said, “London’s air is 27% cleaner thanks to the Ulez – proof that bold action works.”
She added,
“The success of the Ulez is testimony to the many campaigners who pushed and pushed for the mayor to act, so that Londoners can trust the air they breathe. But the work is far from over. Congestion is still a huge issue and more needs to be done to give people the confidence to ditch their cars for good.”
Findings of the London-wide ULEZ
Non-compliant vehicles in London have dropped 58% since June 2023, with 97% now meeting ULEZ standards, up from 39% in 2017.
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions in outer London are 13–16% lower than expected without ULEZ expansion. Particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in outer London are 31% lower, saving 9.1 tonnes in 2024.
Key facts about London’s ULEZ
The 2-year ULEZ review praised the policy as bold, noting clear air quality improvements. It faced political opposition and was a key election issue.
Over 97% of vehicles now comply, with non-compliant cars down 58% since June 2023. £186 million has been paid through scrappage schemes, and debate over its economic impact continues.