LONDON — Deaths linked to air pollution in London decreased by an estimated 40% between 2019 and 2024, according to a study by Imperial College London. The study found a 41% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels and a 28% decrease in fine particulate pollution during the same period.

Estimated premature deaths attributable to air pollution in London fell to between 3,800 and 5,100 in 2024. In 2019, previous estimates attributed 4,000 premature deaths to air pollution, while revised estimates for 2019 attributed between 6,400 and 8,000 premature deaths to air pollution. The boroughs of Bexley, Havering, and Sutton had the highest ratio of deaths attributable to air pollution in 2024.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated, "The evidence is now overwhelming and unarguable: the bold action we have taken in London has reduced pollution, improved public health and saved lives." Khan added, "This latest data shows why expanding Ulez London-wide was even more important than we previously thought and is transforming lives right across our capital."

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) was first launched in central London in 2019. It expanded across inner London boroughs in 2021 and to the entire city in 2023. Vehicles that do not meet Ulez emission standards must pay a daily charge starting from £12.50 for cars. Approximately 97% of vehicles operating in the zone comply with emission standards. A study for the Greater London Authority indicated that roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution was 27% lower than it would have been without the Ulez.

Dr David Dajnak, a researcher with the Imperial Environmental Research Group, said, "Our study highlights two key findings: London's air quality has improved markedly since 2019, but despite this progress, air pollution remains a serious public health risk." City Hall provided £2.7 million for indoor air quality filters in classrooms at 200 primary schools. The number of zero-emission buses in Transport for London's fleet increased from 30 to over 3,000 in the past decade. Recent evidence suggests stronger associations between air pollution and health conditions such as cardiovascular conditions, dementia, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

Professor Stephen Holgate, special adviser on air quality at the Royal College of Physicians, said, "The scale of improvement shown in the study was so encouraging and a powerful reminder that decisive, sustained action can deliver real, measurable benefits for people's health."