Does implementation of a low emission zone change perceptions of air quality, acceptability and travel behaviour? a longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional survey study in Bradford, UK

Abstract Background Despite the popularity of low emissions zones (LEZ) across Europe their public acceptability and impact on travel behaviours are scarcely studied. We aimed to explore changes in acceptability, perceptions of air quality, and travel behaviours in a multi-ethnic sample living in Bradford, UK after the implementation of a Clean Air Zone (a type of LEZ). Methods Telephone, in-person and online surveys were conducted one year pre- and one year post implementation. Participants included members of the representative Born in Bradford (BiB) cohort and members of the general public. A repeated cross-sectional analysis explored changes in responses between baseline and follow-up questions using chi-square tests and tests of proportions. Multinomial regressions explored whether socio-demographic variables were associated with changes in attitudes longitudinally. Results A total of 1,949 and 2,085 individuals participated in the baseline and follow-up surveys; 814 participants completed both. Participants were mostly female, aged 35–44. Half were white British, and 30% of Pakistani origin. The majority of participants supported the clean air zone at follow-up (59–64%), although these figures were lower than at baseline (by 4.9% for BiB families and 10.8% for members of the general public). A third indicated high concern about air quality (34–38%). Personal travel behaviours showed little variation pre to post implementation. On the whole, attitudes of those completing both surveys remained stable, and there were no systematic relationships between socio-demographic variables and whether attitudes worsened or became more positive. Conclusion Whilst CAZ support remained high, we observed small decreases in support after the CAZ implementation. As public acceptability is a key facilitator to the success of initiatives such as CAZ, a decrease in public support may threaten their sustainability. Communication about the need for CAZ, and demonstrations of their positive impact will be important to maintain levels of acceptability.