A new poll has found three quarters of Scots want to see car idling outside schools stamped out.
Research has found air pollution from car fumes can stunt the development of kids’ lungs and worsen conditions like asthma and COPD. Now a poll for health charity Asthma + Lung UK Scotland has found 73 per cent of people want a pollution crackdown on idling.
The survey, conducted by Opinion Matters in March, spoke to 1000 Scots. It comes as the charity today launches a new report, Clearing the Air: Transport + Lung Health , which looks at the impact of air pollution from cars, buses and trains.
Schools and hospitals are among the country’s worst hotspots for drivers leaving their engines running while stationary, known as idling. The new report makes clear air pollution near schools is particularly harmful as it hampers the development of young lungs, and because children breathe more rapidly than adults, they take in more pollution.
We exclusively revealed in August how authorities have ignored hundreds of reports of engine idling in Scottish cities since 2019 despite the practice technically being banned. Experts have previously warned the current fine of £20 for car idling is so low councils avoid issuing the penalty to avoid the administrative hassle.
Asthma + Lung UK Scotland’s new research shockingly found just one local authority in Scotland has issued a single fine since 2021 despite more than 1100 complaints and almost 4000 measures such as proactive checks and warnings. It’s calling on the Scottish Government and councils to get tougher on a “public nuisance that harms the lungs and health of children and other vulnerable groups and adds to pollution on streets across Scotland.”
Jimmy Prentice, teacher at St Patrick’s Primary School, which is sited right next to the M8 motorway, said: “Children feel the impact which vehicle pollution has on their health. We have had pupils complain to staff saying: ‘we deserve to breathe clean air’ and ‘a cleaner environment is a better place to learn’.
“We educate our pupils about the importance of playing their part in looking after the environment, but the wider school community can also act as good role models by turning off their engines while waiting outside schools to help keep our air clean and our children’s environment healthier.
“Many city schools are already close to busy roads where air pollution is high and fumes from idling engines compound that pollution further undermining the safety and rights of children and young people.”
Gillian MacDonald from Glasgow, parent of Ailith, aged 7, said: “As a parent, I’m really worried about what my kids might be breathing in, especially because you can’t always see the pollutants in the air. It’s scary knowing there’s this invisible danger around their school, but we do know how to reduce it.
“Just turning off our engines while waiting can make a big difference in protecting their lungs. It’s something so simple, but it can help keep our children safe from harm we might not always notice.”
Leanne McGuire, chairperson of Glasgow City Parents Group (GCPG) said: “It is our duty as adults to safeguard the health and future of our children and young people. Ensuring their health and wellbeing should be a top priority, and it’s clear that the people of Scotland are united in their call for action against cars idling at school gates.
“The overwhelming support for a ban reflects our shared responsibility to protect young lungs from the harmful effects of vehicle emissions. At GCPG, we believe that switching off your engine is a simple step that doesn’t add any time or hassle to your journey but has a huge impact on the air our children breathe.
“By taking this small action, we can significantly reduce the risks that vehicle emissions pose to young, developing lungs and ensure a healthier environment for our children to grow and thrive.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our children. No one should be forced to breathe in dangerous toxins such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter which make up exhaust emissions from cars.
“It is a common myth that stopping a car engine, only to restart it a minute or two later, causes more pollution than idling. It doesn’t. We can all do our bit by turning off our car engines especially when we are near a school.
“Leaving your car engine running for no reason is illegal already but the by-laws are not enforced. It is a public nuisance that harms the lungs and health of children and other vulnerable groups and adds to pollution on streets across Scotland.
“We need the Scottish Government to introduce tougher guidance to make this a Scotland-wide ban, with greater public awareness and increased fixed term penalty notices to act as a greater deterrent. We should all strive to reduce the harms of air pollution for ourselves, our children, and for our school communities.”
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