All videos

London’s low-emission zone has made kids more likely to walk or cycle to school

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was launched in central London in 2019. Cars that don’t meet strict emission standards must pay to drive into the zone. Today, it’s reportedly the largest clean air zone in the world. Researchers from Cambridge University set out to find whether ULEZ had changed how kids get to school. They found that 4 in 10 kids who were driven to school now walk, cycle or use public transport compared with 2 in 10 kids from Luton, a nearby town outside the ULEZ.

Share:
World Economic Forum logo

Forum Stories newsletter

Bringing you weekly curated insights and analysis on the global issues that matter.

Subscribe today

About us

Engage with us

Quick links

Language editions

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Sitemap

© 2026 World Economic Forum