AUTHORS: Emma Watkins, Chiara Antonelli, Emma Bergeling
Low and Zero Emission Zones (LEZs and ZEZs) are one tool for cities to improve air quality and health outcomes. Whilst many EU cities already have LEZs, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, and social acceptability is key to their success. A new IEEP report discusses key issues around the social acceptability of LEZs and ZEZs, drawing on the experiences of five EU cities.
Emissions from urban transport contribute to health-damaging levels of air pollution in European cities. Steps are being taken at the EU level to address this, for example through the new Ambient Air Quality Directive and the Zero Pollution Action Plan’s objective to reduce premature deaths related to air pollution by more than 55% by 2030.
Cities are important actors in achieving the EU targets. One potentially powerful tool at their disposal to improve air quality and health outcomes is Low and Zero Emission Zones (LEZs and ZEZs).
While many EU cities already have LEZs, and some are taking steps towards ZEZs, these zones need to be tailored to the specific geographical, socio-economic, and cultural context in each city: there is no “one-size-fits-all”.
In addition, the social acceptability of LEZs and ZEZs is key to their success and depends on multiple factors such as perceived costs and benefits, different aspects of fairness, and efficacy.
IEEP’s newly-published report Low Emission Zones: Navigating the Social Challenges of Clean Air Policies in EU Cities, funded by the Clean Air Fund, discusses some of the key issues around the social acceptability of LEZs and ZEZs, drawing on the experiences of five EU cities – Stockholm, Milan, Brussels, Sofia and Warsaw – which are detailed in a set of case studies.
The aspects discussed include the enabling conditions for a LEZ, the social considerations to be considered, the different design options for LEZs, the role of stakeholder engagement, the contribution of advance planning, the importance of ongoing communication, and the range of available complementary measures that can contribute to the smooth operation of LEZs.
The report concludes with a set of ten recommendations to support policymakers in considering potential social impacts and social acceptability issues when deciding to introduce a LEZ, and throughout its implementation. Namely to:
- Collect evidence to support LEZ introduction
- Take into account specific contextual factors
- Identify key groups and potential impacts
- Design the LEZ for fairness
- Consult with stakeholders
- Develop a clear and transparent timeline
- Continue communication efforts during the LEZ’s implementation
- Regularly monitor effectiveness of the LEZ
- Provide and promote alternative mobility options
- Introduce complementary measures to mitigate social impacts
For more information on the report please contact: Emma Watkins or Emma Bergeling
