Low emission zones (LEZs) in Belgium’s major cities—Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent—are proving successful in cutting air pollution, according to a study by the health insurer Mutualités Libres. The research, which analyzed data from over 420,000 residents over a decade, found that levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM) decreased significantly within these zones. In Brussels, where the LEZ was introduced in 2018, NO₂ levels on main roads dropped by up to 30%. This improvement has not only led to cleaner air but also prevented approximately 110 premature deaths per year, saving an estimated €300 million in healthcare costs annually.
The success of Belgium’s LEZs has caught the attention of the European Union, which sees these measures as crucial to its Zero Pollution Action Plan. Aiming to reduce pollution-related deaths by more than 55% by 2030, the EU recognizes that implementing LEZs effectively requires careful planning and public engagement. Experts from the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) emphasize that successful LEZs must include affordable public transport and support for lower-income households to ensure social equity. As more European cities consider similar initiatives, Belgium’s model offers valuable insights into balancing environmental improvements with community needs. More