The Ultra Low Emission Zone

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme has been implemented with the intention of making London’s roads more environmentally friendly. The city of London have pledged to make a more sustainable city which this initiative aims to do. The prominent issue of traffic congestion and air pollution from London’s vehicles was tasked with being resolved through ULEZ.

In 2003, the congestion charge was introduced to discourage motorists from using their cars when commuting into the City of London. By doing this, environmentally harmful gases including Carbon Dioxide emissions, which contribute to the problem of climate change, would diminish.

The scheme involves a new congestion charge for diesel or petrol cars traveling into central London. This consists of a daily charge of £11.50 for driving a vehicle into the central zone of London between 07:00–18:00, Monday to Friday. It also involves the banning of trucks and lorries over 3 tonnes who contribute most out of cars to global warming.

The benefits of this have been widespread. Now 60,000 fewer vehicles enter the area every day which drastically reduced CO2 emissions in the City of London. Furthermore, the initiative has already raised £1billion which will encourage economic growth giving the government a higher revenue to reinvest and spend. This causes an increase in Real GDP indicated by an outwards shift of aggregate demand on an AD curve.

However there have been drawbacks to the implementation of ULEZ. For example London experienced 3.4 min/km delays in 2003 before the introduction of ULEZ, now it experiences 3.6 min/km delays. It has also made many journeys for people that work in the city of London difficult increasing road rage.