Schoolchildren in Brent are spearheading a new campaign designed to reduce vehicle emissions outside schools in the borough.
Launched last month, the campaign is looking to tackle vehicle ‘idling’ – when a vehicle’s engine is left running while it is stationary for a period of time.
The campaign calls on parents/carers taking part in the school run to avoid idling while waiting for their children.
Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Brent Council’s cabinet member for environment, says this will improve air quality both inside and outside the car, in turn reducing pollution.
To mark the launch of the campaign, eight schools across the borough took part in a competition to design a ‘no idling’ logo.
The winning design, by nine-year-old Imaan Syed from Mount Stewart Junior School (pictured right), asks residents and visitors in Brent to ‘spare the air’.
As part of the campaign, businesses across the borough are also being encouraged to ask their drivers and customers to make sure they switch off their engines when stationary.
Cllr Eleanor Southwood, said: “It’s so important that we all work together to improve the quality of the air we breathe. And there are things each of us can do to help.
“We’re taking action to make it easier to walk and cycle in Brent and we’re very lucky to have such great public transport in most of the borough. I know that sometimes you might need to drive but even then you can still do your bit by switching off your engine when you are stationary.”
Alison Earnshaw, head of Mount Stewart Junior School, said: “We have been working very hard to reduce the number of cars and levels of toxic exhaust fumes around the school.
“Our junior road safety officers have introduced a voluntary one way system which has reduced traffic congestion significantly, and with it pollution. They constantly think of new ways to highlight this growing problem to our families. All children deserve clean air.”
06 April 2017