Rising number of pupils worried about air pollution near schools

CONCERN about air pollution near schools is rising among children, new figures suggest.

A poll of 1,305 UK pupils aged six to 15, commissioned by walking and cycling charity Sustrans, indicated that 49 per cent are worried about the issue.

That is up 10 percentage points from a similar survey carried out in 2018. Some 62 per cent of respondents to the latest poll said they do not think adults are doing enough to tackle climate change.

Just over half believe adults do not listen to children’s concerns on the subject.

Two out of five pupils think more people walking, cycling or riding scooters to school is the best way to cut local air pollution, with 57 per cent saying there are too many cars in the vicinity.

Sustrans chief executive Xavier Brice said: “The results of this survey highlight the responsibility we have to create a healthier, greener and fairer society for the generation coming after us.

“With a large number of cars on the road during the morning peak doing the school run, swapping everyday journeys – such as how we travel to and from school – from private cars to active modes of travel can help cut dangerous levels of air pollution in our towns and cities which have a detrimental impact on the environment.”

The charity is asking local election candidates and elected officials to ensure children have the “opportunity and confidence” to get to school by active travel.

The results of the survey were released to mark the launch of Sustrans’ Big Pedal initiative to encourage more than half a million children to walk, cycle or use a scooter for journeys to and from school.