Study of Public Attitudes Toward the Introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Almaty

The Almaty Air Initiative Foundation conducted a sociological study to determine whether Almaty residents perceive transport as a source of air pollution and the idea of introducing Low Emission Zones (LEZ).

The results show that a majority of residents support the idea (51%), but support is uneven and depends on mode of transport, income, gender, and district of residence.

Methodology

The study was conducted using an online survey. A total of 500 Almaty residents aged 18 and above participated, selected with consideration for gender and key transport groups: pedestrians and public transport users (200 people), car owners (200 people), taxi drivers (100 people). The questionnaire included both closed-ended questions,  

allowing for quantitative assessment of awareness and attitudes toward LEZ, and open-ended questions, capturing personal comments.

The analysis was carried out taking into account respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, including age, income, marital status, presence of children, loans, and district of residence.

How concerned are Almaty residents about air quality?

88% of respondents stated that they are concerned about air quality in Almaty.

Concern is particularly high among:

1. women (88%),
2. families with children (90%). Among women, having children significantly increases concern:
   90% of mothers are concerned, compared to 79% of women without children. Among men, the difference is almost negligible: 88% of fathers and 87% of men without children equally consider air quality a problem.
3. By district: Medeu District — 92%, Auezov and Turksib Districts — 90% each.

Concern about air quality is an universal issue. Even among those who are skeptical about LEZ, the majority (88%) are still concerned about air pollution.

Transport as a main source of pollution

Nearly half of respondents (around 50%) consider transport to be the main source of air pollution:

1% identify passenger cars as the main culprit, 9% point to freight transport.

Breakdown by mode of mobility reveals notable differences in perception. Among respondents who mostly walk or use bicycles, scooters, or mopeds, nearly half (45.5%) consider passenger cars the main source of pollution, and another 9% highlight freight transport.

Among public transport users, nearly half (47%) also consider cars the main source of pollution, about 5% mention trucks, and around 23% point to industrial enterprises and thermal power plants.

Among car owners, however, only 34% acknowledge the contribution of passenger cars to air pollution, and another 13% blame trucks. Most shift responsibility to thermal power plants and industrial facilities (21%), construction (19%), which indicates an underestimation of the impact of personal vehicles on urban air pollution.

The issue of older cars (over 15 years old, manufactured before 2010) has become a key dividing line in society.

1. Among owners of older cars 21% agree that their vehicles pollute, while an overwhelming majority (66%) disagree.

 

Among owners of newer cars, the situation is reversed: nearly 59% acknowledge that older vehicles significantly pollute urban air.

This suggests that owners of older cars are less likely to recognize their contribution to air pollution.

Similar pattern was observed in the private housing sector:  homeowners tend not to recognize that their stoves and fuel significantly contribute to air pollution. In respondents’ answers, other sources ranked higher in importance, while coal burning in private homes was only fourth among pollution sources.

It is also notable that when choosing a car, environmental factors are hardly considered: price, convenience, and time remain the top priorities, rather than environmental impact.

Some respondents (24%) point to other major sources of pollution: thermal power plants, construction, industrial emissions, etc.

Overall conclusion: nearly every second pedestrian or public transport user directly blames cars, while car owners are far more likely to shift responsibility to external factors. A clear trend emerges: the more a person depends on a private car, the less willing they are to recognize it as the main source of pollution.

Old cars and LEZ: conflict of interests

On average, 51% of respondents are willing to support the introduction of LEZ. There are relatively few outright opponents (18%), but they are concentrated within specific groups.

LEZ supporters:

1. Owners of newer cars (no older than 10 years) are the most pro-LEZ group (65% support).
2. People with higher incomes primarily associate LEZ with expected health benefits: cleaner air, fewer illnesses, and a safer environment for families. This group shows a high level of support (61%), whereas among middle- and lower-income groups, support is only around half (48% and 50%, respectively).
3. Respondents aged 56+ also demonstrate strong support — around 60%. For this group, environmental and health impacts are particularly important, with mentions of asthma, allergies, and lack of oxygen.
4. Taxi drivers are mostly in favor of LEZ — 59% respondents supported the initiative.
5. Pedestrians, public transport users, and taxi users as a group show 52% support.
6. Women are more likely to support LEZ (51% pro and only 13% cons). Their main motivation is the health of their families and children. Men show a similar level of support (51%), but are more skeptical: share of opponents among them is almost twice as high (21% opposed). At the same time, men with families demonstrate higher support (52%), highlighting the importance of concern for loved ones.
7. Residents living in central and southern districts (Almaly, Bostandyk), where traffic load is higher, are also more supportive.

The main arguments are health, clean air, and desire to remove old, “smoking” vehicles. Most of them perceive LEZ as an investment in the future and are willing to accept gradual implementation, understanding that the effects will not be immediate. There are also “passive supporters” — those not directly affected by the measure and who do not oppose it.

Opponents and skeptics:

1. Among private car owners, support for LEZ is below average: 44% pros and 27% cons.
2. Owners of older cars are the most critical group: only 26% support LEZ, while 39% oppose it.

Key arguments of owners of old cars against the LEZ are primarily related to the sense of unfairness (66%) and concerns about additional costs (35%).

Nearly half of respondents (45%) explicitly state that LEZ implementation should be accompanied by: development of public transport, programs for replacing old vehicles. There are also doubts that removing some vehicles will significantly improve air quality:  some respondents point to the combined impact of other sources (thermal power plants, construction, industrial emissions).

In most groups, supporters of LEZ outnumber opponents.  However, owners of older vehicles form the core of resistance: for them, this is not an environmental measure, but a threat to their budget and way of life.

Open-ended responses

LEZ supporters:

“That’s very good: we’ll breathe clean air, children will get sick less.”

“Environmental conditions will improve, and there will be fewer health problems in winter when coal-fired plants operate.”

“If low emission zones are introduced in Almaty, it will positively affect my family’s health: breathing will become easier, especially for people with allergies and children. Noise and dust from transport will also decrease, and the city will become more comfortable for walking.”

“In our family, everyone has allergies — rhinitis, hives. Noise and constant traffic make life uncomfortable. If there are fewer cars, it will be easier to breathe and health will improve.”

“There will be fewer cars and traffic jams, therefore air will be cleaner.”

“My and my relatives’ well-being would improve, and traffic congestion would decrease.”

“It may become harder to get around, as public transport will be crowded, but we will tolerate it. Just start doing something. We can’t wait any longer.”

LEZ opponents:

“Why should I pay to move around my own city if my car complies with inspection standards?”

“It will hit our budget.”

“I’ll have to replace my car, but we can’t afford it yet.”

“I will protest.”

“It won’t change anything — everything will still be stolen.”

“Until urban development and corruption issues are resolved, I am opposed to it.”

“It will become inconvenient to move around the city. Create a program to exchange old cars for new ones with co-financing, zero interest, and 20-year installments.”  

“I will lose my client base, and the cost of my services will increase.”

Expectations from LEZ

Nearly half of respondents associate LEZ with an improvement in quality of life: 47% expect that it will lead to cleaner air in Almaty. Perceived benefits include reduced traffic load, fleet renewal, incentives to switch to public transport.

The study confirms that the introduction of LEZ in Almaty can rely on public support.  Residents are generally ready to support LEZ if they see real improvements — cleaner air and better quality of life.

However, some respondents expressed concerns: they were worried about maintaining the family budget, their usual mobility, and possible corruption risks. Another key success factor is integrating LEZ into a comprehensive approach, addressing transport, infrastructure, and industrial emissions simultaneously.

What residents expect first:

1. Development of public transport and alternative mobility – buses, metro, cycling infrastructure.
2. Vehicle scrappage and exchange programs with compensation and benefits. Quote: “If the government helps people get rid of old cars and buy newer or new ones, then this would work for us.”
3. Fair rules that apply to everyone.
4. Open and clear communication from the authorities.

Conclusion

Support for low emission zones in Almaty largely depends on how the measures are implemented and perceived by residents.

The study shows that most residents are concerned about air quality, and nearly half associate LEZ with hope for cleaner air. Supporters include owners of relatively new cars, taxi drivers, pedestrians, taxi users, public transport users, women, and families with children.

Among owners of older vehicles, skepticism remains higher. However, it is crucial to show this group that LEZ is not just a restriction, but an opportunity to make Almaty a modern city where clean air becomes the norm and a right for everyone.