London Mayor Sadiq Khan today announced the second, expanded phase of the capital’s ongoing effort to combat air pollution, introducing the ‘Clean Air 2030 Plan: Phase Two’. Unveiled during a press conference at City Hall on June 10, 2025, the initiative represents a significant escalation in measures aimed at improving public health and environmental quality across London by drastically reducing harmful vehicle emissions.
“Air pollution remains a silent killer in our city, contributing to thousands of premature deaths and impacting the health of Londoners, especially our children,” Mayor Khan stated at the announcement. “The first phase of our Clean Air Plan laid crucial groundwork, but we must go further, faster. Phase Two is a bold commitment to cleaner air, leveraging substantial investment and stricter standards to secure a healthier future for everyone in London.”
Stricter Vehicle Standards Under ULEZ
A central pillar of the ‘Clean Air 2030 Plan: Phase Two’ is the proposal for significant changes to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). First introduced to address toxic air, the ULEZ requires vehicles entering designated areas of London to meet specific emissions standards or pay a daily charge. The proposed amendments, set to potentially take effect from January 1, 2026, would mandate stricter compliance requirements for specific older vehicle types. This would likely involve vehicles that currently meet the minimum standards under the existing ULEZ framework needing to upgrade or face charges if they are deemed too polluting under the new, tougher regulations.
The precise details of which vehicle types will be affected are expected to be outlined more fully during the upcoming public consultation period. The Mayor’s office emphasized that the goal is not punitive but rather to accelerate the transition to cleaner modes of transport and discourage the use of the most polluting vehicles within the zone.
Substantial Investment in Green Infrastructure
Complementing the regulatory changes, the plan commits a substantial £650 million investment over the next four years. This significant financial commitment is earmarked for critical infrastructure projects designed to support the shift away from fossil fuels and enhance sustainable transport options across the capital. The investment will focus on three key areas:
* Expansion of Electric Vehicle Charging Points: A significant portion of the funding will be directed towards rapidly expanding London’s network of electric vehicle charging points. This aims to reduce range anxiety for EV owners and encourage greater uptake of zero-emission vehicles by making charging more accessible and convenient.
* Development of New Low-Traffic Areas: Investment will support boroughs identified with high pollution levels in creating new low-traffic neighbourhoods. These areas restrict through traffic for vehicles, prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport, thereby reducing local pollution concentrations and improving air quality in residential areas.
* Investment in Green Transport Infrastructure: Funding is allocated for improving and expanding London’s public transport network and cycling infrastructure. This includes measures to make buses cleaner, enhance cycling paths, and support walking initiatives, providing Londoners with viable, low-emission alternatives to private car use.
Ambitious Reduction Targets Set
The ‘Clean Air 2030 Plan: Phase Two’ sets clear, ambitious targets for improving air quality by the end of the decade. Based on detailed modelling and analysis, the Mayor’s office projects that the combined effect of the proposed ULEZ changes and the infrastructure investments will lead to substantial reductions in key air pollutants.
Specifically, the plan aims to achieve a 30% reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations and a 20% reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5) across London by the end of 2030. These targets are benchmarked against 2024 levels, providing a tangible measure of the plan’s projected impact on air quality within the next five years. Both NO2 and PM2.5 are widely recognized as major contributors to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, making their reduction critical for public health.
Public Consultation Announced
Recognizing the potential impact of the proposed changes, particularly to the ULEZ, the Mayor’s office announced that a formal public consultation process will commence next week. This consultation period will provide London residents, businesses, and stakeholders with an opportunity to review the detailed proposals, understand their potential effects, and submit feedback. The consultation is scheduled to run until September 30, 2025, allowing ample time for broad participation.
The outcome of the consultation will inform the final decisions regarding the implementation of the proposed ULEZ changes and other regulatory aspects of the ‘Clean Air 2030 Plan: Phase Two’. This democratic step is crucial for ensuring transparency and gathering diverse perspectives before enacting significant policy shifts that affect millions of Londoners daily.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of ‘Phase Two’ underscores the ongoing challenge London faces in meeting national and international air quality standards. Building on previous efforts, including the initial implementation and expansion of the ULEZ, this new phase signals a determined push towards achieving genuinely clean air for the capital by 2030. While the investment is significant and the targets ambitious, their successful realization will depend heavily on public acceptance, effective implementation, and sustained political will. The consultation phase represents the immediate next step, opening the dialogue on how London will navigate the path towards a healthier, less-polluted future.
