This city cut traffic deaths to zero after making a major change to its driving rules — here’s why other cities should take note

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has recently faced criticism from political opponents for seeking to expand “ultra-low emission zones” in the city.

If you drive a car in certain areas of the United Kingdom’s capital and it doesn’t comply with ULEZ standards — which follow European emissions standards — you may be liable to a £12.50 (around $15.75) daily charge.

The move is intended to help reduce toxic air pollution in the city, which Khan noted in a 2021 article for The New Statesman is a contributing factor to worsening asthma and potentially increasing the risk of dementia.

Despite opposition from local councils and drivers of cars powered by internal-combustion engines — which produce a number of harmful emissions that damage public health and exacerbate global heating — there are very obvious benefits of trying to keep polluting vehicles off the roads.

In Spain, for example, one city banned most cars in 1999 and has seen some remarkable changes.

As of 2022, Pontevedra, in northern Spain, had seen no car-related deaths for over 10 years. According to comments made by the city’s mayor, Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, in a Político article, total air pollution had been reduced by as much as 67%.