Air Quality and Health Impact Assessment of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate Consultation

Road transport is a major contributor to ambient air pollution in the UK, particularly in urban areas where traffic intensity is highest. Vehicle activity is a dominant source of ambient nitrogen dioxide and a significant contributor to ambient particulate matter, pollutants that are closely linked to adverse health outcomes. Due to the proximity of roads to homes, schools and workplaces, emissions from vehicles disproportionately affect urban populations, making transport emissions a critical determinant of public health outcomes.

Exposure to poor air quality is linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including reduced lung function, exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of premature mortality. Importantly, individuals may experience health impacts even in the absence of immediate or noticeable symptoms. Long‑term exposure to air pollution has been reported to contribute an estimated 28,000–36,000 premature deaths every year in the UK. Furthermore, analysis of traffic‑related pollution estimates between £22.6 billion and £71.3 billion of imposed health costs on the UK economy each year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued a consultation document on a review of the current Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. This review sets out four potential alternative options to the current mandate which has an 80% headline sales target by 2030 for cars and 70% for vans.

DfT have raised a question in the consultation on what the air quality impacts of these different options might be compared to the current mandate. This report, commissioned by the Clean Air Fund and conducted by WSP, sets out to provide evidence to address this question.