The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London has led to an increase in footfall but a decrease in in-store spending in Wandsworth, according to new figures.
A report [pdf] produced by Transport for London (TfL) shows that ULEZ expansion has had mixed effects across London boroughs.
Wandsworth has experienced a 2.02% increase in visitor footfall since the expansion, putting it ahead of boroughs such as Southwark (-3.24%) and Hammersmith & Fulham (-5.22%) but behind Waltham Forest (+2.71%). Meanwhile, worker footfall in Wandsworth grew by 6.88%, an encouraging sign of continued economic activity.
Despite that, in-store spending in Wandsworth has actually dipped by 1.11%, a smaller decline compared to Westminster (-6.93%) and Kensington & Chelsea (-6.86%). On the other hand, boroughs like Waltham Forest (+3.54%) and Hounslow (+2.97%) have seen spending increases, pointing to a varied economic impact across London.
Putney High Street struggles
Despite an overall increase in Wandsworth’s footfall, locally and particularly on Putney High Street, it continues to decline. Putney businesses have also said that sales are lower, compounding ongoing economic struggles.
The TfL report only provides data at a Borough level, so we don’t have data on footfall or spending in Putney compared to Wandsworth Town, Battersea, Tooting and other areas. Nor do we have local data on air pollution.
However, the ongoing closure of shops on the High Street and past data that has highlighted Putney High Street as Europe’s most polluted street thanks to traffic points to a particularly bad situation.
Long-term Putney business Huttons explicitly referenced a drop in footfall on Putney High Street combined with high rent as the main reason for they shut up shop last month while retaining their shop in Battersea. Likewise, EE recently closed on the High Street moving instead to the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth for the same reasons.
Disparities
Spending changes across boroughs illustrate the disparity in economic impact. While boroughs like Hounslow and Waltham Forest saw positive shifts, others, including central London areas, experienced steeper declines. The data suggests that while cleaner air is benefiting Londoners, the economic shifts caused by the ULEZ expansion vary significantly across boroughs.
ULEZ’s Broader Impact
The report underscores that 97% of vehicles now meet ULEZ compliance, reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality across London. While economic concerns were raised ahead of the expansion, the data indicates that overall economic activity has remained stable, with minor fluctuations in borough-specific spending patterns.
Looking Ahead
With ULEZ continuing to evolve, businesses and local authorities will monitor economic trends to assess long-term impacts. Wandsworth’s relatively stable footfall and minor spending decline suggest adaptability, but further observation is necessary to understand how the borough’s economy will respond in the coming years.
For more details, refer to the full London-wide ULEZ One Year Report [pdf] published by the Greater London Authority.
