Three-quarters of Scots would back ban on idling cars near schools, study finds

Three-quarters of Scots would support calls for a ban on idling vehicles near school gates, a study has found.

Asthma + Lung Scotland has called for better enforcement of vehicle idling to help protect public health.

A survey of 1,000 Scots commissioned by the charity found 74% of respondents agreed that an idling ban should be enforced at school gates.

Air pollution near schools is particularly harmful as it can stunt the growth of children’s lungs, Asthma and Lung Scotland said.

The charity added that children breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they take in more pollution.

Running a vehicle engine unnecessarily whilst stationary is against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Regulation 2003 and carries with a £20 fixed penalty notice.

However, Asthma + Lung UK said a freedom of information request found this is rarely enforced.

The charity is urging the Scottish Government to update air quality standards in line with the 2021 World Health Organisation guidelines.

Scotland, for example, allows levels of nitrogen dioxide – a pollutant that causes the lungs to inflame – to be four times higher than the safe level recommended by WHO.

The charity’s survey also found that 67% of respondents agree that they would like to see air monitors outside schools, with 65% saying they are concerned about air quality at schools.

High levels of air pollution can also cause asthma attacks that can lead to hospitalisation. It causes new lung conditions and worsens existing ones like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said despite idling being an offence, current fines and enforcement aren’t working.

“No one should be forced to walk through a toxic soup of air pollution such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, which make up exhaust emissions from cars, just to get to school,” he said.

Mr Carter added it is “vitally important” to protect the lungs and health of our children.

“Car idling produces up to 150 balloons of exhaust emissions per minute, and turning your car engine off while sitting is an easy thing to do, and we should all strive to reduce the harms of air pollution for ourselves and for school communities,” he said.

He added that lung health is Scotland is one of the poorest in Europe, and called for urgent action.

“We need action to tackle air pollution, and lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide allowed to align with WHO guidance is one way we can protect people’s lungs.”

Rosie Heptonstall, air pollution programme manager for Parents for Future Scotland, said car idling is part of a “wider systemic issue” of car culture.

The mother-of-two added that a shift is needed from cars being the accepted way to travel.

“We can only have this modal shift if people are supported and encouraged to choose active travel instead – not just because it improves air quality, but because it will feel like a better, easier option.”

Ms Heptonstall called for enhanced and extended cycling infrastructure, 24-hour public transport, and easy access to low-cost or free bikes, including adapted bikes to help the issue.

“Combine this with a cohesive public information campaign about the problems of car idling, where it becomes regarded as being as anti-social as smoking, and we might start to get somewhere,” she added.

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.