A recent study by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and King’s College has found that London’s congestion pricing initiative has not only reduced emissions, but has effected better health in city residents.

The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, found that Londoners are already reaping the benefits of its newly implemented congestion pricing zones. Collectively, they’ve added an extra 1,888 years to residents’ lives, said the study, and have significantly diminished pollutants, particularly in low-emissions zones. Reductions were most remarkable in the congestion pricing zones. According to the study, “Absolute and relative reductions in NO₂ and PM10 (particulate matter) were greatest within the congestion charging zone wards.”

The study also addressed the additional health hazards of vehicular traffic:

“Evidence from epidemiological research indicates exposure to traffic is associated with a number of adverse health impacts including mortality, myocardial infarction, and impaired lung development in children.”

The study reported “modest” reductions in NO₂ and PM10 emissions, both known to cause bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The reductions may be “modest,” but Mayor Ken Livingstone has only begun to introduce congestion pricing to Londoners; most zones have only been in place since early February.

The study may be premature, but it does prove that London’s low emissions laws are already making an impact, and are merely a precursor to further reductions in car use and pollutants. For London’s low emissions, this is only the beginning. If only other countries would catch on.

Photos via flickr by inel & disbona.

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