London low-emission zones linked to reduced hospital admissions, study finds

Analysis of health records suggests that emergency hospital admissions in central London saw a reduction following the implementation of the T-charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). The study, conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, found that after the schemes were introduced, there was a 3% annual decrease in emergency admissions, excluding non-pollution-related incidents.

Specifically, admissions for heart problems decreased by 8% annually, and for breathing problems by 6% annually within the central London zone. Before the schemes, emergency admissions had been increasing by 3% per year. The researchers controlled for other trends and policies that might affect hospital admissions, including changes in healthcare-seeking behavior and broader air quality improvements in other regions.

While the reductions in total and heart-related admissions remained statistically significant when compared to similar areas, the decrease for breathing problems did not reach statistical significance. Researchers noted that the analysis focused on adults, and children, who are more susceptible to air pollution's respiratory effects, might show more conclusive results. The study also acknowledged the proximity of the Ulez launch to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult to fully isolate the Ulez's impact from lockdown effects.