A new report from City Hall has revealed that Harrow is among the boroughs benefiting from cleaner air following the first year of the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). However, the policy remains divisive, with critics arguing it disproportionately affects lower-income drivers.
According to the report, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in Harrow, along with Sutton, Merton, Croydon, and Bromley, are estimated to be around 15% lower in 2024 compared to a scenario without the ULEZ expansion. Roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels—a toxic gas linked to asthma, lung disease, and cancer—have fallen by 27% across London. In outer London, emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts are now 31% lower than they would have been without the scheme.
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: “When I was first elected, evidence showed it would take 193 years to bring London’s air pollution within legal limits if the current efforts continued. However, due to our transformative policies we are now close to achieving it this year. Today’s report shows that ULEZ works, driving down levels of pollution, taking old polluting cars off our roads and bringing cleaner air to millions more Londoners.
“The decision to expand the ULEZ was not something I took lightly, but this report shows it was the right one for the health of all Londoners. It has been crucial to protect the health of Londoners, support children’s lung growth, and reduce the risk of people developing asthma, lung cancer and a host of other health issues related to air pollution.”
ULEZ compliance has continued to rise, with 96.7% of vehicles seen driving in London now meeting the required emissions standards. Non-compliant vehicles have reduced by 58% since June 2023.
Despite the reported improvements, opposition remains strong. Cllr Susan Hall AM, who represents Hatch End, criticised the scheme on social media, stating: “The ULEZ expansion was a money making exercise that affects the poorest the most. Sadiq Khan should be ashamed, public transport in London is more expensive than anywhere but regardless apparently we should all be using it.”
In Harrow, frustration over ULEZ has also been reflected in acts of vandalism. This week, a ULEZ camera at the junction of Brookshill and Old Redding in Harrow Weald was targeted by so-called ‘Bladerunners,’ forcing the road to close for hours.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
