Low-emission zones have 'direct impact' on air quality

The low-emission zones (LEZ) introduced in Brussels and Antwerp have had positive benefits for air quality and residents' health, according to a study published in the scientific journal Environment International.

The report calls for the continued and strengthened deployment of LEZs to advance the transition to more sustainable and healthier urban transport systems.

Conducted by Mutualités Libres in collaboration with KU Leuven, HEAL and VITO, Hasselt University and the interregional environmental agency Celine, the study looked at the impact of LEZs in Brussels and Antwerp and noted "particularly striking" results there.

The reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was 37% in the capital between 2017 and 2022, the report found.

The most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Brussels recorded an even faster decrease in pollution, which Mutualités Libres said highlighted "the role of environmental policies in reducing social inequalities in health".

The study found benefits up to five kilometres around LEZs, including a reduction in the consumption of diabetes medication.

LEZs are therefore "a key tool" for achieving the objectives of the new European air quality directive, according to the report.

The directive imposes stricter thresholds by 2030: 10 µg/m3 for fine particles and 20 µg/m3 for NO2.

Strong political commitment and citizen mobilisation are needed to achieve this, Mutualités Libres said.