The Opportunity of Low Emission Zones: A Taming Traffic Deep Dive Report
About
The climate crisis is real, and its threats and consequences are more tangible than ever before. With the transport sector accounting for nearly 12 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, there needs to be a concerted effort to mitigate the impacts of emissions from road and passenger transportation. In cities experiencing rapid urbanization especially, there is an urgent need to shift away from both private cars and transition to electric vehicles to tackle climate change, improve air quality, and reduce traffic injuries.
In recent years, low emission zones (LEZs) have grown in popularity as one potentially impactful strategy for cities to reduce dependence on motor vehicles and offer clean, affordable, accessible alternatives. Building on ITDP’s Taming Traffic report that highlights various strategies for reducing driving, The Opportunity of Low Emission Zones offers a closer look at LEZ strategies to provide context for decision-makers and planners interested in understanding the potential of these policies for their own cities.
Mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis requires bold, comprehensive solutions that:
- Reduce the demand for driving and the negative outcomes associated with vehicle use;
- Encourage a transition to electric vehicles and electric public transport;
- Promote sustainable and active forms of mobility, like walking and cycling.
Low emission zones are an important tool for cities to consider as they work to achieve this transformation. Though LEZs have been primarily implemented as an air quality improvement strategy, they also have the potential to catalyze a faster transition to electric vehicles and to encourage more compact city planning that facilitates walking, cycling, and public transport ridership.
Learn More
- Continue Reading on the ITDP Blog →
- Listen to the Twitter Space on “Defining Low Emission Zones” →
- Watch “The Opportunity of Low Emission Zones” webinar →
- Download the “What Are Low Emission Zones” infographic →
- Download the infographic in Portuguese →
- Read ITDP’s “Taming Traffic” report →
- Read the “Taming Traffic Deep-Dive” Brief on Parking Reform →
Interested in learning more about this research or have a press inquiry? Email us at mobility@itdp.org.
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