The expansion of London’s ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) is working better than predicted, with the capital’s air quality improving at a faster rate than the rest of England’s.

According to a report from the Mayor of London’s office, pollutant emissions in 2023 reduced “dramatically”, with PM2.5 exhaust emissions from cars in outer London falling by around 22%.

Within the outer London ULEZ area, nitrogen oxide emissions from cars and vans are estimated to be 13% and 7% lower than a scenario without the expansion. This is equivalent to removing 200,000 cars from the road for one year, the report claims. Since the expansion, 96% of vehicles seen driving within the zone are now compliant, with a 53% reduction in non-compliant vehicles in six months.

It’s estimated that London sees around 4,000 premature deaths a year due to high levels of air pollution because of increased risks of asthma and cancer and possible links between air pollution and dementia.

However, the ULEZ expansion has proved...