Breathe Easy? Assessing if London's ULEZ Expansion is Really Cutting Air Pollution
Breathe Easy? Assessing if London's ULEZ Expansion is Really Cutting Air Pollution: A Complete Guide London is facing a serious challenge with its toxic air, and things have reached a crucial point. Since the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was expanded to cover all boroughs in August 2023, the city has become the largest low-emission zone in the world. Mayor Sadiq Khan has framed this bold initiative as a vital step to tackle a public health crisis, pointing out that air pollution is responsible for about 4,000 premature deaths each year in the capital. However, while the policy aims to penalize the most polluting vehicles, there's a heated debate about how effective it really is in practice. For those living and working on the outskirts of the city—from commercial fleets to private hire vehicles—the financial impact is immediate. Take, for example, a driver from a Taxis Hemel operator; they now have to ensure their fleet meets ULEZ standards if they want to cross into Nor...