Motorists parking outside schools should be required to switch off engines to protect children from the effects of pollution, according to public health guidance published today.
Schools, hospitals and care homes could be designated as "no idling" zones, according to the proposals from Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
The report says long-term exposure to air pollution causes ill health equivalent to around 25,000 deaths – and a health impact worth between £8 billion and £18 billion.
It also calls for the introduction of low and emission zones in towns and cities – together with the encouragement of electric vehicles through charging zones. There could also be congestion charging zones when congestion contributes to the problem.
The report backs the use of 20mph limits to manage traffic speeds – but calls for the removal of "physical barriers" such as speed bumps.
Professor Paul Lincoln, who led the development of the guidance, said: “Air pollution is a major risk to our health, and so far suggested measures have not managed to tackle the problem sufficiently.
“I hope that this guidance will prove influential in reducing the amount of air pollution we are exposed to every day.”
Professor Paul Cosford, from Public Health England, said: “Many of us can walk or cycle instead of using the car, particularly on short journeys. We can all avoid idling our engines and drive more smoothly to reduce emissions."
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