A recent survey by insurance firm Bikesure has found a big shift in commuter habits since London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone came into force in April 2019. Almost a quarter of the 1000 commuters questioned in London say they can no longer afford to ride or drive in the capital.
It’s worth noting that the government suspended ULEZ /Congestion charges in London during lockdown to allow key workers to get to work (without paying extra for the privilege). It also means riders delivering essential goods and medical supplies can move through the city quicker – whilst practising social distancing (two of the major benefits of two-wheeled use at this moment in time).
We all know that a scooter is the perfect traffic busting machine and increased usage would cut congestion dramatically (in turn reducing pollution).
ULEZ 2020 Survey
In their Survey, Bikesure discovered that 20% of commuters changed their mode of transport to a low emissions Powered-Two-Wheeler after ULEZ came into force. Interestingly 44.9% of people thought ULEZ was a good idea – down from 47% last year, although there was a slight increase in the number of people who can understand the need for ULEZ but are still left feeling frustrated by it.
The figure for people who now think ULEZ is a bad idea has risen from 7.8% last year to 11.3% this year.
- 64% of those who changed their usual mode of transport now use public transport (although services have been cut massively during corona, making getting to work by tube/bus/train much harder and potentially much more crowded)
- 43.5% of those who changed their usual mode of transport now walk (not so good for social distancing in a city)
- 22.8% of those who changed their usual mode of transport now use a low-emissions car
- 17% of those who changed their usual mode of transport now cycle
Impact of ULEZ on commuters
Part of the survey gave London commuters multiple-choice questions to find out how ULEZ has affected them.
- 31.1% said that the ULEZ doesn’t affect them
- 26.7% can’t afford to drive/ride in the ULEZ zone anymore
- 23.7% drive/ride in the ULEZ zone less than they used to
Interestingly, more than a quarter of Londoners can’t afford to drive or ride in the ULEZ zone anymore and presumably can’t afford, or are reluctant to swap to a low emissions vehicle.
ULEZ Expansion
Currently only operating within a small part of the centre of London, the ULEZ zone is set to expand into the North and South Circular routes in 2021 – making it much more restrictive and expensive for commuters to get around. 30.9% of people said that they won’t be able to afford to drive/ride in London anymore, suggesting that even more people will be affected financially.
● 35.1% of Londoners said that it won’t make a difference to them
● 25.3% will drive/ride in London less than they do now
● 12.8% will change to a low-emissions mode of transport
Want to know more?
You can read the full details of Bikesure’s ULEZ 2020 Survey here.
If you’ve been affected, or will be affected by ULEZ and it’s expansion let us know about it in the comments on this post.
Sick of congestion? Shop from home…
If you think the government are going too listen about how 2 wheels are better for congestion then you better not get your hopes up cause they won’t. All there interested in doing is meeting EU policies on clean air and if that means banishing certain vehicles then so be it.