Low Emission Zones: The stakeholders perspectives of the economic impacts

Abstract

Urban air pollution has become a significant challenge to public health and environmental quality. To address these issues, cities worldwide have implemented various measures, including the establishment of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to restrict the entry of highly polluting vehicles. Although LEZs have proven effective in reducing emissions and improving air quality, their impact on other aspects of urban life, particularly the economic effects on stakeholders, remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of LEZs on stakeholders within urban logistics networks. Through semi-structured interviews conducted in cities with established LEZs, including Stockholm, London, Shanghai, and Antwerp, this paper qualitatively analyzes how logistics service providers and city authorities adapt to and perceive these regulatory environments. Using comparative analysis, the research examines how the scale and maturity of LEZs affect different stakeholders' views and behaviors. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of stakeholder communication and involvement is more critical in shaping attitudes toward LEZs than the scale and maturity of the zones themselves.