A NEW initiative to improve the air quality outside primary schools in Frome and across the district has been launched by Mendip District Council.
At a meeting of full council, members voted unanimously to explore a number of measures to reduce ‘engine-idling’ by encouraging motorists to turn off their engines when parked.
This will include piloting ‘No Vehicle-Idling’ campaigns outside primary schools, with a possible wider roll-out of the scheme to other popular community venues, where there is heavy traffic congestion.
The district council will also work to influence bus providers, Mendip contractors and business partners, and Somerset County Council, to inform and educate as to the health dangers of idling.
Clarification is also being sought on the legal and enforcement powers open to the council to safeguard the public and protect air quality.
Unnecessary engine-idling can produce harmful emissions which are linked to lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. Reducing emissions from road transport is an effective way to improve air quality and protect health.
Mendip District councillor for the Frome College ward, Drew Gardner, who tabled the motion with cllr Barry O’Leary, told Frome Times, “This is the first step on the road to giving Frome and the district improved air quality.
“The story goes back some months when I was walking with my eight-year-old son Sam to school in Frome and we walked past the line of cars parked up at the school drop-off and he asked me ‘daddy why have the cars got their engines running when they’re not going anywhere?’
“This inspired me to look into the matter and I found out that it’s actually illegal to leave the engine idling on a stationary vehicle.
“I decided to look into it and saw that other councils around the UK were taking action on this matter with a campaign to deter drivers from doing this.
“While the air quality by currently-measured standards in the area is considered good, it is surely best to take action before there is a problem.
“Crucially one aspect of air quality that local authorities do not have to monitor is PM 2.5 of micro particles, which are considered to be so dangerous that according to DEFRA, there is no safe legal limit and they are associated with many serious health issues in the UK.
“Though it will now be possible to fine drivers who don’t comply, the idea is to get everyone’s buy -n on this and achieve the goal through greater awareness and participation, which will not only be good for the health of the citizens of Frome, but save motorists money too.”
Following the unanimous decision by full council to take action on air quality, a detailed implementation report will be brought to cabinet in the spring.
Leader of Mendip District Council, cllr Ros Wyke said, “Mendip does not experience air pollution at those levels found in major cities, but we still want to improve the health of our residents where we can – especially those most vulnerable to pollution.
“Small behavioural changes can make a big difference. We must work together to improve air quality for all.”
Checkout the district council’s recently launched climate change webpages: www.mendip.gov.uk/climate change
