The first six months of the expanded ULEZ has led to a reduction in air pollution in Hounslow. The Council has welcomed the findings.
Published: Monday, 12th August 2024
Hounslow Council has welcomed news that the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is having a beneficial effect on air quality for borough residents.
A report from the Greater London Authority (GLA) detailing the results of the first six months of the London-wide ULEZ, concludes that pollutant emissions in 2023 were ‘dramatically lower’ than they would have been if the scheme had not gone ahead.
Hounslow became part of the London-wide ULEZ scheme in August 2023, with Chiswick having been in the ULEZ zone since 2021. It meant that people in the borough had to drive lower-polluting vehicles to enter the zone or face a daily charge.
The recently published report, entitled: London-Wide Ultra Low Emission Zone - Six Month Report, highlights that harmful Nitrogen Oxides emissions from cars have been cut by an estimated 13 per cent, with a seven per cent cut in these emssions from vans.
Whilst particulate matter emissions (PM 2.5), dropped by an estimated 22 per cent in outer London since the introduction of the scheme.
The report further shows that air quality on the roadside continues to improve faster than the average for the rest of England.
The expansion of ULEZ to include Hounslow and other outer London boroughs brought five million more people into the zone.
The GLA report also highlights that the number of people complying with the ULEZ regulations has increased. More than 96 per cent of vehicles in the zone are now compliant with the regulations.
The GLA says that this means there are now fewer older, more polluting vehicles driving in the zone. The scheme saw a 53 per cent reduction in non-compliant vehicles detected in the zone in the first six months of the programme.
Residents, businesses or charities who have not yet changed their vehicle can still take advantage of the Mayor of London’s scrappage scheme (see: tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/scrappage-schemes) which could gain them a payment of £1,000 for a motorcycle, £2,000 for a car, or more for a van or minibus when scrapping or donating their vehicle.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: "These early results from the first six months of the expanded ULEZ scheme are incredibly encouraging. We have seen significant reductions in harmful emissions, making our air cleaner and healthier for Hounslow residents.
“We know that many people were unsure about the introduction of ULEZ in Hounslow but this report suggests that the scheme could have a positive impact on health in our borough.
“I would like to thank everyone who is cooperating with the ULEZ scheme. Your actions are having a big impact on health and wellbeing in Hounslow.”
Hounslow Council is currently asking residents for their views on its updated Transport Strategy.
The consultation asks for the views of local people on a range of transport-related issues including health, sustainability, road safety and accessibility.
The Council wants to know more about how people currently travel around the borough for work, shopping and leisure and how they would like to travel in the future.
The consultation also asks residents what they think Hounslow Council’s priorities for transport and travel should be.
- You can take part in the consultation at: talk.hounslow.gov.uk/moving-forward
- You can read the full ULEZ expansion report here: London-wide ULEZ Six Month Report | London City Hall
- To check the eligibility of your vehicle for ULEZ, visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/
