A new UK100 report reveals that local authority‑led clean air action has saved almost 14,000 lives between 2019 and 2025, equivalent to a town the size of Berwick‑upon‑Tweed.
The financial impact is huge:
£15 billion saved in avoided hospital admissions, GP visits, lost working days, and wider economic damage.
Benefits calculated using the government’s preferred valuation method.
Shows the power of local action, not just national policy.
The EV Café Takeaway
“Local authorities have been quietly beavering away… 14,000 lives saved from relatively small actions.” - John
He pushes back against the “why bother if other countries pollute?” argument:
“We should bother because we can make a material difference if we all do it at the same time.” - John
“Congestion is congestion…get single‑occupancy drivers onto different modes.” - Sara
“Proper numbers matter, but the direction is clear.” - Sam
Local clean air measures, school streets, low‑emission zones, idling enforcement, micro‑mobility, deliver real, measurable health benefits.