SCHOOLCHILDREN are calling on motorists to ‘Stop idling, don’t pollute – protect children and the environment’ ahead of Clean Air Day.
Pupils at St Peter’s Catholic School in Solihull raised a banner to warn people about the impact car engines that are left running have on the environment.
With the support of Solihull Council’s sustainable travel team, the school ran a competition to design a banner about the dangers of idling.
Year 10 pupil Kiera won and was presented with the winning banner by Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Solihull Council’s cabinet member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing.
Solihull Council say an ‘idling’ engine emits 20 times more pollution than a car travelling at 32 mph – so the school and pupils want to discourage people from idling, particularly close to the school.
Coun Mackiewicz said: “It is great to see young people learning about environmental issues that can really affect them.
“Idling outside schools is particularly harmful to children and teenagers as their lungs are young and still developing, so are at greater risk from the harmful chemicals emitted from vehicles. The air they breathe now can affect them for life.
“This competition has not only produced a striking banner for the school but has also raised the pupil’s awareness of the of the dangers of an idling engine and the importance of clean air – something they can pass on to their parents/carers and will hopefully influence behaviour.
“Well done to Kiera and to everyone else who took part. The competition received a fantastic response with so many great entries that can be used in the future to continue to spread the message.”
Clean Air Day, June 16, will see schools, healthcare, workplaces and communities across the UK running activities and taking action to inspire others to reduce the amount they pollute.
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