That's why we're taking action to help clean up our dangerously polluted air and improve public health.
Around half of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) come from transport. They contribute to illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) - pollutants which make chronic illnesses worse, shorten life expectancy and damage lung development.
The communities suffering most from poor air quality are often the most vulnerable, including children. There are at least 360 primary schools in areas with illegal pollution levels.
Official reports for this information are listed on the Ultra Low Emission Zone page in Publications & reports.
To help improve the air we breathe, we're introducing measures to encourage more walking, cycling, use of public transport and to encourage more efficient freight deliveries.
Every bus you catch in central London now meets the highest emission standards. All buses operating in the ULEZ area will meet Euro VI emissions standards or be electric. Our improvements to the entire bus network across London include the introduction of Low Emission Bus Zones.
ULEZ is another way to help reduce the most harmful emissions generated by road transport in central London and across the Capital.
The introduction of the ULEZ will help reduce exhaust NOx and PM emissions, helping to improve air quality and making central London a safer and more pleasant place to live, work and visit.
These positive effects will be especially beneficial to the young, older people and those who have respiratory problems, as well as residents of high pollution areas.
The majority of traffic entering the ULEZ will be from outside the zone, so the benefits of cleaner, greener vehicles in the form of reduced emissions will be experienced across London, even to areas not in the zone.