• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday May 8 2025

Clean air zones have significant economic benefits, Bath researchers find

Clean air zones have economic benefits, a new study from the University of Bath has concluded.

The Clean Air Zones in both Bath and Bristol (pictured) have come in for criticism – but now researchers say the schemes could be delivering health and economic benefits.

The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, analysed over a decade of data from Greater London and Central London.

The data suggests the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), introduced in 2008 and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which came into force in 2019 significantly reduced harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.

Strikingly, the cleaner air resulted in a dramatic drop in sick leave taken in Greater London of more than 18 per cent.

Reduced job absenteeism and fewer respiratory illnesses led to annual public health savings of over £37 million.

Dr Habtamu Beshir, who led the research at the University of Bath and is now based at University College London, said: “These policies are not just environmental wins. They’re also reducing labour market absenteeism and improving Londoners’ life satisfaction.

“Clean air makes for healthier, happier, more productive communities.

“Our work shows that clean air policy is smart policy. It protects health, saves money, and enhances quality of life – making the case for clean air initiatives stronger than ever.”

Meanwhile, international studies have found areas with good air quality are more likely to attract new businesses – or, rather, businesspeople are put off opening businesses in polluted neighbourhoods.