Leading scientists say they have been “stunned” by how quickly young children’s lungs began to recover and grow after pollution restrictions including ultra-low emissions zones (ULEZ) were brought in where they lived.
These findings are important for every city. ULEZ is significant for Salisbury because it proves, with real‑world published scientific evidence, that reducing traffic pollution leads directly to healthier children. London’s experience shows that when nitrogen dioxide and particulate levels fall, children’s lungs grow more normally, giving them better breathing capacity for life. Salisbury faces its own air‑quality pressures, on busy routes like Exeter Street (St Osmonds primary school and Bishop Wordsworth’s school), Fisherton Street (where Wiltshire Council own survey data records 11,000 vehicles per day), Churchill Way and the A36. These are corridors where many children walk or cycle along these corridors every day.
The ULEZ results demonstrate that cleaner air isn’t an abstract environmental goal; it’s a measurable health intervention that protects developing lungs during the years when damage is most permanent.
For Salisbury, this strengthens the case for safer active‑travel routes, reduced traffic around schools, and policies that cut unnecessary short car trips. If London can improve children’s lung growth within just a few years, smaller cities like Salisbury can benefit even more quickly because distances are shorter and behaviour change is easier. Cleaner air means fewer asthma attacks, better school attendance, and healthier futures for local children. ULEZ shows that bold action works and it gives Salisbury a powerful evidence base for prioritising active travel, low‑traffic neighbourhoods, and safer walking and cycling routes across the city.
Please show your support for clean air zones by writing to Cllr Ian Thorne (ian.thorn@wiltshire.gov.uk), the Leader of Wiltshire Council and ask him to make a difference for your children and grandchildren.
Image courtesy of the BBC (Children’s stunted lungs show recovery in ultra low emission zone – BBC News)
