Author(s)

Jiafan Shi ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Department of Development Planning Unit, University College of London, London, United Kingdom

Corresponding Author

Jiafan Shi

ABSTRACT

The implementation of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) policy in London since 2019 has significantly improved the city's air quality and fostered an environmentally friendly transformation of its transportation system. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the ULEZ policy and its socio-economic impacts. Through data analysis, we found that the ULEZ policy has led to a substantial increase in vehicle compliance rates, a significant reduction in the number of non-compliant vehicles, a decrease in the proportion of diesel vehicles, and a sustained reduction in air pollutant emissions and concentrations. Additionally, the policy has brought about significant health benefits, reducing the incidence rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, the implementation of the ULEZ policy has also incurred certain socio-economic costs, particularly for low-income groups and the elderly. This study recommends that to further optimize the policy's effectiveness, differentiated charging standards should be considered, the construction of the public transportation system should be strengthened, and the transparency and public participation of the policy should be enhanced.

KEYWORDS

London; Ultra Low Emission Zone; Air Quality; Socio-Economic Impacts; Policy Evaluation

CITE THIS PAPER

Jiafan Shi, Evaluation of the Implementation Effects and Socio-Economic Impacts of London's Low Emission Zone Policy. Information Systems and Economics (2024) Vol. 5: 68-72. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/infse.2024.050409.

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