Schoolchildren living in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) walked and cycled more after its introduction compared to their peers outside the zone, according to a new study.
The study was carried out by the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University amid a growing obesity crisis in the UK, where 23% of 10- to 11-year-olds are considered obese.
The findings, published on Wednesday, looked at the habits of almost 2,000 children over two years in London and Luton.
ULEZ (The Ultra Low Emission Zone) was introduced to reduce traffic-related air pollution, which is known to affect the nervous system, cognitive ability and lung function in children.
The study’s authors said further monitoring was needed, but even today’s results highlight the potential positive impact of the zones.
“These observations are important because they address the many interrelated health issues facing children today,” said Dr Christina Xiao, lead author of the study and a population health researcher at the University of Cambridge.