Idling engines outside schools banned to protect health

MOTORISTS WILL be banned from leaving their engine running outside 20 Sheffield schools to protect children from pollution.

The council is introducing “anti-idling” zones outside the schools as part of its Clean Air Strategy. If enforcement officers catch motorists parked with engines on, they will receive a warning and could be fined.

Schools that are in the scheme include: Lowfield Infant and Juniors, Oasis Don Valley Nursery, Infant and Juniors and Hillsborough Nursery, Infant and Juniors.

Chris Galloway, principal engineer at Sheffield Council, said in a report: “In common with many major cities, Sheffield has problems with poor air quality, particularly around major roads.

“Sheffield roads have concentrations of nitrogen dioxide forecast above legal limits. Engine idling is a significant factor to air pollution in some areas of the city such as the taxi rank near the Midland Train Station.

“It is a preventable and unnecessary source of emissions, particularly at locations with sensitive receptors such as children.”

Signs will be put up advising drivers and if they are caught, they face a £20 fixed penalty notice. The council also wants to educate drivers that turning off their engine helps them save fuel as well as improving air quality. The council has set aside £50,000 and this first phase is estimated to cost £8,500 which will be spent on 80 signs, four per school.