A new report from leading lung health charity Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is calling for better enforcement of vehicle idling to protect public health and the environment, with polling commissioned by the charity showing almost three-quarters (73%) of people surveyed want an idling ban enforced outside of schools.1,2
This comes as Asthma + Lung UK Scotland launches a new report Clearing the Air: Transport + Lung Health, which looks at the impact of air pollution from cars, buses and trains. Air pollution near schools is particularly harmful as it can stunt the growth of children’s lungs. They also breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they take in more pollution through their lungs.
Freedom of Information analysis obtained by the charity, has found that shockingly of the twenty councils which recorded information on vehicle idling complaints and have adopted the powers to enforce fixed penalty notices, only one local authority issued a fine between January 2021 and May 2024. This is despite over 1,100 complaints in the same period and almost 4,000 measures such as proactive checks and warnings.
Running a vehicle engine unnecessarily whilst stationary is against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Regulation 2003 and carries with it a £20 fixed penalty notice. The charity is calling on the Scottish Government and councils to be tougher on what it calls a ‘public nuisance that harms the lungs and health of children and other vulnerable groups and adding to pollution on streets across Scotland.’
Air pollution can cause new lung conditions like lung cancer and worsen existing ones like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High levels of air pollution can also cause asthma attacks that can lead to hospitalisation.
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, parent of Ailith, age 7 who live in Glasgow 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 adding 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.”
Reference:
- We surveyed 1,000 adults in Scotland and seven out of ten (73%) want car idling outside the school gates to be prohibited. Combining those who said ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ to the following statement: Car idling near schools should be banned.
- Report link: Clearing the Air: Transport + Lung Health | Asthma + Lung UK (asthmaandlung.org.uk)
Methodology:
The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1,000 Adults aged 16+ in Scotland. The data was collected between 05.03.24 - 14.03.24. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.