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Little appreciated by the population, low emission zones, EPZs, are gradually being deployed in Europe in an attempt to reduce traffic jams and air pollution in large cities. A study conducted by British researchers now confirms the health benefits of such places, particularly on cardiovascular diseases.
A dozen urban areas in France, including Grand Paris, Lyon, or Aix-Marseille, have already set up at least one low-emission zone prohibiting access to the most polluting vehicles to fight against air pollution. . But it is the 43 French agglomerations of more than 150,000 inhabitants which will have to establish this type of zone by 2025. A measure which is far from unanimous in France, as shown by a recent senatorial consultation which garnered over 51,000 responses. No less than 86% of individuals and 79% of professionals say they are opposed to the deployment of ZFEs, and 83% of individuals do not intend to change vehicles to go to these areas, fine or not.
However, a new study by researchers at Imperial College London confirms that Low Emission Zones, like Congestion Charging Zones (CCZs), would have a positive impact on public health. Published in the newspaper The Lancet Public Healththis data analysis looked at the health effects of these new areas in several cities in the UK, Europe and Asia.
The researchers did not, however, examine the impact of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in which owners of high-emission vehicles must pay a charge to drive. In detail, the scientists first examined more than 2,000 studies to finally focus on the results of sixteen surveys published between 2005 and 2022 relating to EPZs and CCZs set up in Tokyo, Milan, or even London. .
A decrease in cardiovascular disease
At the end of their work, the researchers observed a significant drop in cardiovascular diseases after the implementation of low emission zones in several cities, as well as a reduction in road accidents associated with urban tolls. “It can be difficult to measure the impact of such initiatives. Our study brings together global data to help understand the effectiveness of EPZs and CCZs in improving public health. We found evidence of short-term health benefits, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease and road traffic injury“confirms researcher Rosemary Chamberlain of Imperial College London in a press release.
Regarding the EPZs, the researchers observed a 4.6% drop in high blood pressure in Germany, and a reduction of more than 11% in deaths from cardiovascular disease in Japan in the majority of the studies examined. Only two of them, on the other hand, reported a reduction in respiratory diseases in connection with the deployment of ZFEs in the cities studied. Due to the small number of studies included in this analysis, further research will be needed to confirm the long-term impact of these areas on the health of users.
“As with all interventions based on financial penalties to induce change, it is essential to think carefully about how and where they are implemented. One of the arguments against LEZs in cities is that it can hit people on low incomes the hardest. But the reality is that poor air quality and the associated health problems often hit the poorest hardest. We need to tackle this problem in order to improve air quality and public health Continued monitoring and evaluation remains crucial, but this study and other data support efforts to reduce the use of private motorized vehicles, especially especially older and more polluting vehicles”concludes Dr Anthony Laverty of Imperial College London.