Teachers call for car-free zone outside schools to cut fumes risk

NEARLY two thirds of teachers would support car-free roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times to improve air quality, a survey has found.

The poll also indicated that more than half (59 per cent) want the Government to take urgent action to improve air quality outside schools.

A survey of 840 people in teaching roles found that 63 per cent would support a ban on cars outside the school gates at the start and end of the day.

When asked what would help reduce the levels of air pollution outside schools, 34 per cent said encouraging more people to walk, scoot and cycle.

Some 28 per cent said educating the school community would help and 26 per cent cited school road closures.

A majority (59 per cent) said a lack of alternative routes for traffic was one of the main barriers to closing the road, the survey for Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, found. Xavier Brice, Sustrans chief executive, said: “We need to radically change the way we travel. Idling car engines and snarled up roads poison the air and our children. Our survey makes it clear that teachers want urgent action to clean up toxic fumes.

“They see closing the roads outside their school as an effective solution.”

The survey has been released to launch Big Pedal 2019, a scheme to encourage more young people to cycle, walk and scoot to school.

Meanwhile, a growing number of parents revealed they want cycle training to be part of the national curriculum in schools, according to a study.

Research by Halfords suggested that four out of five parents believe cycle safety should be taught in schools. Most of the 2,000 adults surveyed said training was essential for children.