New analysis of official air-quality data suggests that London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has not improved nitrogen dioxide levels as substantially as Mayor Sadiq Khan has claimed. The reporting focuses on recent figures showing that more than half of London boroughs continue to record nitrogen dioxide concentrations that exceed legal limits. The articles describe the issue as ongoing across much of the city rather than confined to specific areas. They also reference the ULEZ’s financial impact, stating that the scheme generates over £200 million per year, alongside the daily charge of £12.50 for non-compliant vehicles.
The coverage does not deny that the ULEZ aims to reduce pollution, but it argues that the pace or scale of measurable improvement—based on compliance with nitrogen dioxide limits—remains limited in many boroughs. The analysis is based on comparisons of borough-level monitoring outcomes against legal thresholds, using data released by relevant authorities.
