BAN ON SCHOOL RUN TO SAVE KIDS FROM TOXIC FUMES
Parents forced out of their cars to tackle rise in childhood asthma
HUNDREDS of heads are piloting bans on school runs in a bid to protect kids from car pollution.
Thousands more are due to follow and campaigners want it introduced nationwide.
Fumes have been linked to soaring asthma cases. One expert said: “Pollution levels around schools are worrying.”
CHILDREN’S lives are being put at risk as the choking pollution of cars on school runs causes damage that cannot be fixed, experts warn.
And in a bid to tackle the dangerous levels of toxic air linked to a rise in young asthma cases, hundreds of heads across the country are piloting bans on vehicles parking near the gates.
Thousands more are expected to trial the schemes, backed by a number of measures including £50 fines and fixed penalties leading to points on licences.
But parents and experts now want the ban rolled out across the country, as figures show one in four cars on the road at peak times are on the school run.
The British Lung Foundation backed the call. Director of policy and communications Alison Cook said: “Toxic air is linked to asthma and chronic chest problems, and damage to the lungs in early age is irreversible.
“That’s why illegal levels of pollution around schools is hugely worrying.”
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s daughter Ella died at the age of nine from an asthma attack she believes was caused by illegally high levels of air pollution near the youngster’s school in Lewisham, South East London.
She also called for a nationwide ban on school runs to prevent more deaths and “stop Ella from dying in vain”.
Rosamund said: “The UK has the highest rates for asthma deaths in Europe. Pollution levels can soar by as much as 50% by cars left running, commonly occurring at school gates across the country. I can’t stress enough how damaging this is to our children’s health. The only way we can really make a difference is for uniform rules across the country.”
The pilot schemes include closing roads, setting up “park and strides”, walk-to-school initiatives and “playing dead” protests. Police in Solihull,West Mids, hand out £50 fines to those who flout the ban.
While most parents back the bans, there are concerns from those who live in areas with little or no public transport.
But transport charity Sustrans, which is helping pilot some of the schemes, said they “will significantly help reduce children’s exposure to pollution while creating a safer environment for pupils, parents and teachers”. Experts say kids are particularly at risk from pollution as they absorb and retain toxins for longer.
Permanent bans have been put in place at a primary in Hackney, East London, after an 18-month trial, and in Southampton.
The levels of pollution at schools is hugely worrying ALISON COOK BRITISH LUNG FOUNDATION CHIEF