London Low Emission Zone

Background

London has the worst air pollution in the UK and amongst the worst in Europe. Air pollution affects the quality of life of a large number of Londoners, especially those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. It was estimated that in 2005 some 1000 deaths and a similar number of hospital admissions occurred due to poor air quality in London.

The Mayor made a manifesto commitment to introduce a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), to improve London's air quality. The objectives of the LEZ are to move London closer to achieving national and EU air quality objectives, and to improve the health and quality of life of people who live and work in and visit London, through improving air quality. The London Low Emission Zone was launched on 4 February 2008. For further information about the LEZ please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon.

Benefits of the LEZ

Improved air quality should mean:

fewer premature deaths for those suffering from cardiovascular or respiratory disease
reductions in hospital admissions for people with respiratory illnesses
fewer days of impaired activity for those sensitive to the affects of air pollution
improved quality of life for Londoners, especially those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions

Almost two thirds of particulate matter and half of the emissions of oxides of nitrogen (two of the key pollutants of concern in London) are from road transport.

The London Low Emission Zone

On 3 May 2007, the Mayor confirmed, after consultation with stakeholders, business, other organisations and the public, the Scheme Order for the London LEZ. This decision was taken following the publication of the Mayor's revisions to the Transport and Air Quality Strategies in July 2006.

The Scheme Order means that virtually the whole of Greater London will become a LEZ in February 2008. The LEZ is a specified area within which the most polluting diesel engined trucks, buses, coaches, large vans and minibuses will be required to meet specified Euro emissions targets or pay a charge. The LEZ does not apply to cars or motorcycles.

Details about the consultation and Transport for London's Report to the Mayor (which is also Annex 1 to the Mayoral approval form) are also available on the Transport for London website.

Documents

Further details about the Mayor’s decision and the scheme are provided in the Mayor’s decision statement (which is also Annex 4 to the Mayoral approval form) and the Mayoral approval form.

Mayor's decision statement PDF
Mayor's decision statement RTF

Mayoral approval form PDF
Mayoral approval form RTF

Mayoral approval form – Annex 3 PDF
Mayoral approval form – Annex 3 RTF