Sir Sadiq Khan has praised the controversial Ulez scheme as new data shows that clean air policies contributed to toxic air rates dropping by around 40 per cent.
Research from Imperial College London found that the estimated deaths associated with air pollution in the capital fell by 40 per cent between 2019 and 2024.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels plummeted by 41 per cent, while fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), which can cause respiratory problems, fell 28 per cent.
The significant reduction in pollution comes after London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan introduced the Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London in April 2019.
It was expanded to inner London in 2021, before being extended to cover all of Greater London in August 2023, with nine million people now included in the scheme.
Data from 2019 showed that air pollution was responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths, prompting the Mayor to introduce Ulez, which is now the world’s largest clean air zone.
Using updated methodology, estimates show a reduction in premature deaths between 6,400 and 8,000 in 2019, and 3,800 to 5,100 in 2024.
Commenting on the new data, Sir Khan said: “The evidence is now overwhelming and unarguable: the bold action we have taken in London has reduced pollution, improved public health and saved lives.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has praised the expansion of the Ulez scheme for its health benefits
| PA
“From childhood asthma to dementia, we know that a wide range of illnesses are linked to air pollution.
“This latest data shows why expanding Ulez London-wide was even more important than we previously thought and is transforming lives right across our capital.”
He acknowledged that the decision to expand the Ulez was “not easy”, but has now been vindicated in his choice to expand the clean air scheme.
Despite “incredible” progress, Sir Khan emphasised that “there is still more to do”, adding that Londoners should not get complacent.
