Work

Do low emission zones generate car fleet renewal? A quasi-natural experiment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates whether the introduction of Low Emission Zones accelerates car fleet renewal. To achieve this aim, this study uses the 2017 introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London, United Kingdom. This policy required drivers of older cars (Euro 4 or older) to pay a £10 charge per day to enter a specific area of central London. A spatial difference-in-differences empirical design is implemented to estimate the causal impact of the policy. Findings of the analysis are that the introduction of this policy increased vehicle fleet renewal by 2.2%. A practical use of this finding is that such ancillary benefits can now be included in the business case development for such policies, quantifying the broader spectrum of positive outcomes that can be realised.

Source: Transportation Research Part D Transport and Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2026.105603

Author: Craig Morton

Institution: Loughborough University

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, and Transportation Policies

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450