Air pollution is still globally the biggest cause of ill-health and early death in humans. Vehicle emissions are a major cause of air pollution. London's mayor received lots of flack for extending the city's Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) into out-lying areas. This meant that folk with emissions-heavy vehicles were charged for visits into the zone. There were financial imperatives to scrap older vehicles and to use public transport. As they say, 'the proof of the pudding, is in the eating'. The ULEZ extension, has rapidly improved London's air quality. Biggest improvements were noted in the capital's most deprived areas. Deprived areas are precisely where folk are most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Having said all this, London's air pollution is only now approaching supposed legal limits (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/07/london-air-pollution-down-since-ulez-expansion-study). The UK needs other ULEZ schemes. Car drivers should be disabused of their 'right to pollute'. There must also be attempts to reduce air pollution from wood-burning stoves, garden fires and refuse disposal. Firework displays and new nearby airport runways are also unhelpful.
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