Travel behaviour and Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone: a cross-sectional survey

Background Low Emission Zones (LEZs) aim to improve air quality and encourage sustainable travel in urban areas by issuing fines to non-compliant vehicles. This study investigated initial impacts on travel behaviour and perceptions following the enforcement of Edinburgh's LEZ from June 2024. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey focussing on commuting behaviour inside and outside the LEZ, as well as prior to and several months after enforcement. The survey targeted adults who worked or studied in Edinburgh or otherwise travelled to the LEZ area. We collected data on demographics, travel habits, and reasons for travel choices. We recruited participants via an online survey panel (‘panel survey’ [n=351]) and social media (‘community survey’ [n=260]), for which statistical analysis was stratified. Results There was a clear differentiation in transport mode usage, with more people using the car alone for their commute outside the LEZ and more people using public transport inside the LEZ. Following enforcement, few respondents changed whether they accessed the LEZ area. Nevertheless, comparing inside to outside commuters, 70 (44%) versus 8 (10%) in the panel survey, and 41 (24%) versus 4 (9%) in the community survey, respectively, reported some change in the frequency, duration, or mode of transport following enforcement. Results suggested a small, but statistically significant, shift towards active travel and public transport within the LEZ, with a decrease in private vehicle use. Panel survey respondents tended to agree more than community respondents with the potential positive impacts of the LEZ. Conclusions We found evidence that active travel and public transport use increased following enforcement of the Edinburgh LEZ within several months of enforcement. Future research with objective, quantitative data should confirm these findings and assess impacts over a longer time-period.