‘More needs to be done to tackle air pollution near schools’

Failure to act now on toxic air pollution could have a detrimental impact on children’s health, warns Bristol-based organisation Sustrans.

The national sustainable transport charity has revealed results of a major survey of young people’s attitudes towards the “air quality crisis”, which is the cause of 300 premature deaths on average each year in the city.

The YouGov poll of 1,185 children, between the age of six and 15, found that two fifths (43 per cent) are concerned about the levels of air pollution near their school and 38 per cent think that encouraging more people to cycle, scoot or walk to school is the best way to help reduce this.

A joint investigation by the Guardian and Greenpeace last year revealed that 2,000 schools and nurseries across the UK are near roads with damaging levels of harmful emissions.

James Cleeton, Sustrans

Now, Sustrans is calling on the Government and local authorities to invest more in cycling and walking infrastructure, training and engagement programmes to boost the numbers who cycle, walk or scoot to school.

“We’re in the midst of an air quality crisis,” said James Cleeton, a regional director for Sustrans.

“This survey demonstrates for the first time that children are aware and concerned about poor air quality. We wanted to hear their views on the matter, as they are some of the most susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution, which can lead to poor lung and brain development and asthma if exposed for long periods of time at a young age.

“More needs to be done to improve air quality near schools and help protect future generations. One of the best ways to do this, is by reducing the number of journeys taken by car each day in favour of walking, cycling or scooting the school run.

“The UK Government needs to show leadership by helping local authorities fund and deliver better cycling and walking infrastructure so that every child is able to travel on foot or by bike to school in safety and with confidence.

“Failure to act now on high levels of air pollution has the potential to have a detrimental impact on children’s health.”

Mayor Marvin Rees recently showed off his two-wheeled tricks at the launch of two cycling events in Bristol

More than one in three (34 per cent) of the young people surveyed think that politicians are most responsible for bringing down levels of air pollution, while 29 per cent believe drivers should be accountable.

Having a shorter distance to travel to school would act as the biggest incentive in encouraging people to walk, cycle or scoot to school, according to 34 per cent of those asked, with fewer cars and separate cycling routes also highlighted as key factors.

The survey has been released to launch the Big Pedal 2018 (April 23 – May 4), the UK’s largest schools competition to encourage more young people to cycle, walk and scoot to school.

Held annually by Sustrans, this year’s event will see more than half a million children and young people get on their bikes and scooters for their journeys to and from school.

Green Party co-leader Caroline, with members and school pupils in Bristol to highlight the dangers of air pollution

Main image: Cyclists enjoying a car-free Portway last year.

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