Differences in public's perception of air quality and acceptability of a clean air zone: A mixed-methods cross sectional study

Are Low Emission Zones Truly Embraced by the Public?

“…Many studies [25,32,36,43,49] indicate that populations, in general, have a positive attitude towards the need to tackle urban environmental pollution and support the implementation of LEZs. However, as stated by Oltra et al [29], although certain interventions to reduce urban pollution are initially more accepted than others, it is possible to improve (as well as to worsen) the acceptability of these measures through their design and communication.…”

“…De Vril and Vanoutrive [34] indicate that Antwerp LEZ residents who no longer have a car indicate difficulties visiting others and no longer expect friends and relatives from outside the LEZ to visit them, the opposite of what was reported by official communication before LEZ introduction. Some authors [32,38] also highlight clear differences in how different socio-economic groups felt about air quality and LEZs. In the case of Bradford (UK), data obtained by Mebrahtu et al [32] point to the fact that poorer families and immigrant families from countries with greater air pollution give less support to LEZs and less importance to air quality.…”

“…Some authors [32,38] also highlight clear differences in how different socio-economic groups felt about air quality and LEZs. In the case of Bradford (UK), data obtained by Mebrahtu et al [32] point to the fact that poorer families and immigrant families from countries with greater air pollution give less support to LEZs and less importance to air quality. However, after a more in-depth analysis, the authors realized that many of these families are drivers of taxis, vans, and lorries, whose businesses will be financially affected by the LEZ, and that for many families, other community issues such as fly-tipping, smells and vermin were more important issues to tackle.…”

“…Several authors [25,29,32,38] highlight that implementing a set of measures that support and help mitigate the disruptions caused by the implementation of an LEZ has a significant impact, both on the acceptability and acceptance of the LEZ. This "support package" must be tailored to the characteristics of the city, the impacted area, the impacted stakeholders (residents, commuters, traders), and less favored groups.…”

“…This type of information is also very important in tackling contradictory views about the potential effectiveness of LEZs, such as those observed in opinion surveys [32]. 4.5.5.…”