Children express air pollution concerns

Millions of UK children worry about air pollution near their school, a survey suggests.

More than two-fifths (43%) of children polled – who live in towns and cities – are now concerned about the levels, new figures reveal.

A YouGov poll carried out for Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, surveyed more than 1,000 children aged six to 15 about their attitudes towards air pollution and the actions they think should be taken to help clean up the air.

More than one in three (38%) of those surveyed think encouraging more people to cycle, scoot or walk to school is the best way to reduce levels of air pollution.

The number of children who say they are concerned about air pollution rose to 53%, in London.

A total of 34% think politicians are most responsible for bringing down levels of air pollution, and 29% believed drivers should take responsibility themselves.

Children are among the most vulnerable to air pollution, according to last year’s annual report of the Chief Medical Officer.

More than 2,000 schools and nurseries are near roads with damaging levels of motor emissions, an investigation last year by the Guardian and Greenpeace found.

The survey by Sustrans was released today to launch the Big Pedal 2018, to encourage more young people to cycle, walk and scoot to school.

The event, running until May 4, will see more than half-a-million children and young people get on their bikes and scooters for their journeys to and from school.

World record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont was helping the BigPedal launch at Torkington Primary School in Stockport, Cheshire.

Picture: PA. A car exhaust: A survey suggests millions of UK children worry about air pollution near their school.