Confirming the Ultra Low Emission Zone: another step towards cleaner air for London

Introduction Poor air quality is a known killer. The WHO estimates that 4.2 million premature deaths can be associated with poor air quality, and in the UK it has been estimated as a contributing factor to 28,000–36,000 deaths every year. In recent times it has become apparent that the UK is behind the curve in respect of acceptable air quality – as in that capable of meeting ‘safe’ standards – in London and other major population centres. The persistent and systemic failure of successive governments to address the root causes of poor air quality has been the subject of successful litigation by ClientEarth, and in 2021 was noted, for the first time in England, as the cause of death of a child exposed to dangerously excessive levels of pollution.