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In an investigation by Valent, analysing 13,000 tweets and 8000 retweets from 8,583 Twitter accounts (now ‘X’) evidence was found of online manipulation of the debate around the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) ahead of the Uxbridge by-election in July 2023. The investigation revealed hundreds of thousands of pounds were spent on undermining London’s key clean-air policy – suggesting a coordinated and ultimate successful (in terms of the result of the Uxbridge by-election) attempt to create a backlash against ULEZ.
Banks and GP surgeries are the most desired amenities that are currently not available within 15 minutes walk for Britons, according to YouGov polling in March 2023.
Whilst the concept of 15 minute neighbourhoods has become the focus of online conspiracy theories, and protests have taken place in some cities around the country, it is not yet clear how widespread this opposition is among the general public.
This survey would suggest that opposition to 15 minute neighbourhoods – when it is explained to survey respondents what the they mean – is limited.
Outlining the arguments in favour of clean air zones, this Green Alliance report notes that they are now found in over 250 cities across Europe, and that there is “comprehensive research demonstrating they work” to reduce car use and pollution, once in place.
Understanding opinion on 15-minute neighbourhoods
Despite their prominence in online conspiracy theories, there is no clear evidence yet of how widespread offline opposition to 15-minute neighbourhoods actually is.