One year after the introduction of London's ULEZ, children living in central London were more likely to switch to walking and cycling to school compared to children outside the zone.
The Children's Health in London and Luton (CHILL) study explored the effects of London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on children's travel habits to school over a year. The study involved children aged 6-9 from 84 primary schools in both London (within the ULEZ) and Luton (outside the ULEZ). Researchers compared the travel modes—whether children walked, cycled, or used inactive modes like cars—at the study's start and after one year.
The findings revealed that children in London were significantly more likely to switch from inactive to active travel modes (such as walking or cycling) compared to those in Luton. Specifically, 42% of London children shifted to active travel, compared to only 20% in Luton. Conversely, fewer London children switched from active to inactive modes than in Luton. The study also noted that children who lived further from school were more likely to adopt active travel when exposed to the ULEZ. This was probably because many children living closer to school already walked or cycled, leaving more potential for change among those living further away.
Overall, the study suggests that the ULEZ has a positive impact on encouraging active travel to school, particularly for children who live further away. This indicates that clean air zones can play a crucial role in promoting healthier, more sustainable travel habits among children.
Find the BBC press coverage of the study online: London's ULEZ has cut children's school car rides, study suggests - BBC News
Find the publication online: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01621-7
Citation: Xiao, C., Scales, J., Chavda, J. et al. Children’s Health in London and Luton (CHILL) cohort: a 12-month natural experimental study of the effects of the Ultra Low Emission Zone on children’s travel to school. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 21, 89 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01621-7