Emergency hospital admissions fell after introduction of London’s T-charge and Ulez, study suggests

Emergency hospital admissions in central London decreased following the implementation of the T-charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), according to an analysis of health records by Imperial College scientists. The study, published in the journal ScienceDirect, examined hospital admission data before and after the introduction of these air pollution reduction zones. While specific figures for the reduction in emergency admissions are detailed within the full study, the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that such zones are effective in improving air quality and public health. Previous research on similar initiatives, such as the Bradford clean air zone, indicated a 25% reduction in GP visits for heart and breathing problems. Additionally, survey data from the central London zone showed a decrease in the likelihood of individuals taking sick leave. The T-charge, a £10 daily fee for older, more polluting vehicles entering central London, was introduced in October 2017, followed by the Ulez in April 2019, which expanded the area and imposed stricter emission standards. These measures aim to reduce traffic-related air pollution, which is linked to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.