(Press-News.org) 18.5% reduction in sick leave following LEZ implementation
10.2% decrease in respiratory issues
Annual public health savings of over £37 million
New research from the University of Bath has revealed that Greater London's clean air policies—the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are not only improving the city’s environment but are also delivering significant measurable public health and economic benefits.
The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization which analysed over a decade of data from Greater London and Central London, found that the introduction of the LEZ in 2008 and the ULEZ in 2019 significantly reduced harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10), resulting in a dramatic drop in sick leave in Greater London, and improved mental well-being and substantial cost savings.
Key findings in Greater London compared to areas in England without low emission zones:
18.5% reduction in sick leave following LEZ implementation
6.8% drop in the incidence of health problems
10.2% decrease in respiratory issues
Reported improvements in happiness, life satisfaction, and reduced anxiety.
Annual public health savings of over £37 million, driven by fewer respiratory illnesses and reduced job absenteeism thanks to low emission zones.
Professor Eleonora Fichera from the University’s Department of Economics and Centre for 21st Century Public Health said: “These policies are not just environmental wins. They’re also reducing labour market absenteeism and improving Londoners’ life satisfaction. Clean air makes for healthier, happier, more productive communities.”
Dr Habtamu Beshir, who led the research at the University of Bath and is now based at UCL said: “Our work shows that clean air policy is smart policy. It protects health, saves money, and enhances quality of life - making the case for clean air initiatives stronger than ever.”
The study employed a quasi-experimental method, analysing changes in affected and unaffected areas before and after policy rollout. The data shows that when LEZ was tightened in Phase 2 (July 2008), NO₂ levels dropped by 5.8% and PM10 by 9.7%. ULEZ, the strictest policy of its kind globally, delivered even greater reductions—NO₂ down 21% and PM10 down 15% estimated by comparing Central London to other areas outside Greater London, before and after ULEZ was introduced.
The research adds weight to the growing international body of evidence linking air pollution control with public health and economic outcomes.
Professor Eleonora Fichera added: “With the World Health Organization estimating 4.2 million premature deaths globally each year due to air pollution, these findings signal the urgent need for similar transport policies in other major cities not just in the UK but around the world.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
Link to paper “And Breathe Normally”: Impacts of low emission zones on sick leave and mental well-being - ScienceDirect
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Tanswell
University of Bath Press Office
Tel: 01225 386319
Email: rlt54@bath.ac.uk
About the University of Bath
The University of Bath is one of the UK’s leading universities, recognized for high-impact research, excellence in education, an outstanding student experience, and strong graduate prospects.
Ranked in the top 10 of all the UK’s major university guides.
Among the world’s top 10% of universities, placed 150th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Rated in the world’s top 10 universities for sport (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
Research from Bath addresses critical global challenges, fostering low-carbon living, positive digital futures, and improved health and wellbeing. Learn more about our Research with Impact: https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/research-with-impact/
END
London’s low emission zones save lives and money, new study finds
2025-04-23
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