Concerned parents have had their say after a council wrote to more than 50 schools in the borough about the dangers of idling vehicles, particularly during 'school runs.' Gedling Borough Council has written to the schools to ask for their support to educate parents about the problem, with concerns raised over the release of harmful pollutants into the air.
Children are said to be particularly at risk because they have smaller lungs and breathe more rapidly, as well as spending more time outdoors. Upon hearing about the warning, parents outside of Porchester Junior School, Carlton, say that they are largely supportive of actively trying to make people aware of the dangers of idling vehicles, with one woman stating that she is "embarrassed" that people still do it.
Studies have also shown that exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma, coughs, bronchitis and other health issues. Schools across Gedling are now being asked for their support to educate parents on the importance of turning off their engines when parked, whether they are waiting to pick up or drop off their children, or parked near the school.
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Tanya Rethby, 51, works as a childminder. She said: "I always switch mine off but I know there are a lot of people that do it because I see it all the time. It really annoys me. It's embarrassing that it still happens.
"You get people that are waiting for 10 or 15 minutes, you know, sometimes even half an hour if they get here early. You can turn the engine off and still listen to music.
"I just think it's selfish because people clearly don't care about the long-term effects it's having on people."
Local resident Steven Edwards, 47, said: "Well it is concerning. I've got to be honest I used to do it all the time, but I think that's why it's become something that I notice more now.
"People might not think it's a big deal but there are parents that wait outside of the school for a while with their cars still on. If there's one place you don't want it happening it's a school!
"It's good that the council are trying to do something about it. I know that they're trying to become more environmentally friendly which is good. I just don't think enough people care."
Gedling Borough Council say the measures support the Air Quality Action Plan as well as their pledge to become net zero carbon by 2030. Last year, the council introduced Anti-Idling legislation across Gedling Borough, which states drivers can be issued a £20 fixed penalty notice (FPN), increasing to £40 it not paid within 28 days.
However, FPNs have been described by the council as a "last resort" and no fines have been issued yet.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: "Air pollution is a serious issue, and one that we all play a part in tackling. It affects not only our health but the environment and climate too.
"One area of concern of where drivers are often found to be idling is around our schools, but by raising awareness of this specific issue, together we can make a real difference. We’re asking for the support of our local schools, to work with us and help educate parents on the dangers caused by idling cars, and encourage them to change their habits for the health of their children and the community.”
Gedling Borough Council Climate Change Officer, Sim Duhra said; “It’s so important to reduce emissions from idling cars near schools. These emissions can cause serious harm to our health, especially for children, as well as contributing towards climate change.
"Turning off your engine while waiting near schools is such a simple thing to do, but it can help protect our children and the planet."
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