Is the Polluting School Run about to Change?

Leading public health authorities have advised that small changes to our daily routine could have monumental impacts on air quality in our towns and cities. In particular, the bodies have targeted areas outside schools, care homes and hospitals, claiming that drivers who keep their engines idling in the vicinity of such buildings are endangering the most vulnerable members of our society.

As a result, a ban on idling has been recommended by the authorities, among a raft of other incentives aimed at improving air quality and reducing transport-related pollution. The suggestions come in the wake of the UK government’s third failed attempt to put together pollution control plans which meet legal safety standards.

Experts speak out

New advice from British watchdogs Public Health England (PHE) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has pinpointed idling engines as one of the chief contributing elements to the country’s polluted airwaves, particularly near schools, nurseries, hospitals and retirement homes.

Since the youngest and oldest in society are most susceptible to developing health complications as a result of inhaling contaminated air, these areas have been identified as those most in need of regulation. It’s believed that around 40,000 British lives are lost prematurely every year, with a significant proportion of these elderly people.

A multi-pronged approach

Fines for idling engines have already been introduced in some areas, such as the borough of Westminster, where drivers face fines of up to £80 if they are caught parked with their engines on. However, the anti-idling idea is just one of many raised by PHE and NICE in an attempt to tackle poor air quality.

The bodies also recommended introducing more trees and plants into city centres to mitigate pollution levels, as well as encouraging motorists to brake and accelerate less often (potentially involving the phasing out of speed bumps) and backing public transport and bicycle use.

The ultra-low emissions zones (ULEZs), planned by the Conservatives in five areas around the UK, have also been lauded by the watchdogs, but critics say that the number of designated zones is far too few. Indeed, with almost 90% of urban areas around the UK breaking legal limits of pollution, the government’s response has been criticised widely.

Not enough from the Tories

The incumbent Tory government have three times been taken to court by environmental law firm ClientEarth for the poor quality of their proposals, which the firm and the court say fall short of legal requirements. Indeed, on the most recent occasion, ClientEarth branded the government’s plans “woefully inadequate”.

Now, the UK health watchdogs have lent their voice to the clamour calling for Theresa May’s party to take the problem seriously.

“Air pollution is a major risk to our health, and so far suggested measures have not managed to tackle the problem sufficiently,” explained Professor Paul Lincoln, who is the current chief of the NICE committee. “This guidance is based upon the best evidence available. It outlines a range of practical steps that local authorities can take, such as the implementation of no-idling zones, to reduce emissions and protect the public.”