There has been a 18.5% reduction in sick leave in Greater London following LEZ implementation compared to areas in England without low emission zones.

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 & 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.
This content is taken from University of Bath

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"London’s low emission zones save lives and money, new study finds", MachPrinciple, July 01, 2025, https://machprinciple.com/post/London-s-low-emission-zones-save-lives-and-money-new-study-finds