Volunteers tell parents to stop idling outside Bristol school

Volunteers led by Bristol City Council have been speaking on the dangers of idling with parents waiting to collect their children at Cathedral Primary School.

This is part of Bristol's No Idling campaign aimed at changing drivers’ behaviour.

Car drivers who leave their engine running unnecessarily while waiting contribute to air pollution, to which 300 deaths are attributed to in the city each year.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: “We are taking positive steps in Bristol to reduce levels of air pollution and improve the air we all breathe.

“While we focus on improving Bristol’s transport network to reduce congestion and improve public transport, we need individuals to take small actions to make a big difference to the air in our city.

“Idling your vehicle’s engine has significant consequences for air quality and our health. Drivers tend to idle outside of schools and hospitals, where the city’s most vulnerable citizens’ are affected."

The council aims to clear the air on unnecessary idling, offering information to drivers and free training to groups and organisations who would like to reduce idling and improve local air quality in Bristol.

Councillor Kye Dudd, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “There are many myths and misconceptions which lead people to idle unnecessarily, but the majority of these are false.

“Idling while stationary for a minute or longer is not only harmful for the environment but also wastes fuel and money.

“Whether you are parked or waiting for a prolonged period of time, please consider the quality of the air that you, your passengers and those around you are breathing in and switch your engine off.

“We are working to make it easier to leave the car at home and take the bus, walk or cycle.  As well as lessening the impact on our environment and achieving cleaner air for Bristol, these options have the added benefit of keeping us active.”