Request ID: FOI-0210-2324 Date published: 17 May 2023
You asked
Follow up from FOI-3465-2223 - if TFL do not hold the figures in question how do they know that the LTN's and ULEZ are working to reduce the figure of 4000 which has been in place since at least 3 years before the first ULEZ was introduced? It is very concerning that the figure was 4000 in 2016 (and possibly before) and is still 4000 now, 7 years later.
A measurement of success of LTN's/ULEZ must be being used, otherwise they are simply road blocks and taxes to generate revenue. What is the measurement of success that TFL are using and since 2016 what have LTN's and ULEZ proven they have done to improve air pollution?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0210-2324 Thank you for your follow up request which we received on 18 April 2023, asking for information about the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) schemes.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You specifically asked:
Most importantly, if TFL do not hold the figures in question how do they know that the LTN's and ULEZ are working to reduce the figure of 4000 which has been in place since at least 3 years before the first ULEZ was introduced? It is very concerning that the figure was 4000 in 2016 (and possibly before) and is still 4000 now, 7 years later. The figure was a finding from the London Health Burden of Current Air Pollution and Future Health Benefits of Mayoral Air Quality Policies review, which was commissioned by the GLA and produced by the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London. I sent you a link to the report in my earlier response. The figure is based on the report finding that ‘in 2019, in Greater London, the equivalent of between 3,600 to 4,100 deaths were estimated to be attributable to air pollution, considering that health effects exist even at very low levels. This calculation is for deaths from all causes including respiratory, lung cancer and cardiovascular deaths’. TfL does not hold any more up to date information on this. A measurement of success of LTN's/ULEZ must be being used, otherwise they are simply road blocks and taxes to generate revenue. What is the measurement of success that TFL are using and since 2016 what have LTN's and ULEZ proven they have done to improve air pollution? LTNs are implemented by the London boroughs with the support of TfL and the impact of individual schemes is monitored by the boroughs. Whilst air quality improvements are one benefit of LTNs, key outcomes by which their success is also measured include enabling people to cycle and walk more, decreasing traffic volumes and reducing road danger. With respect to air quality, a study by Kings College London estimated that the impact of the Mini-Holland programme Waltham Forest, which primarily consisted of LTNs, alongside other walking and cycling interventions, would be a gain of 41,000 life years for the borough’s population if air pollution improved as projected. London Borough of Hackney undertook a detailed study on the air quality impact of three of the LTNs installed in the borough since 2020. This found that modelled air quality improved at 289 of 349 monitoring points. Examination of air quality data from LTNs in Islington by Imperial College London has also found air quality improvements both within and on the boundaries of LTNs. Further information on the impact of air quality of individual schemes could be found in monitoring reports published by boroughs that have installed LTNs. For ULEZ please see the monitoring reports which monitor impacts of the scheme, the latest one is the “One Year On report” available via this link; https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/environment-and-climate-change/environment-and-climate-change-publications/inner-london-ultra-low-emission-zone-expansion-one-year-report). If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
