Friday 17th March, 2023
Colchester City Council is taking action to improve air quality around schools in Colchester.
The Environment and Sustainability Panel is meeting on March 21st to discuss whether to fine drivers who idle their engines outside schools.
The Council has been running a No Idling campaign since 2019 to encourage drivers to switch off their engines while waiting.
This campaign has been successful, with 65% of respondents to a survey reporting that they now switch off their engines more often.
However, 35% of respondents still do not switch off their engines, so the campaign will continue to target this group.
The No Idling campaign is part of the Healthy Schools Streets initiative. This aims to improve road safety around schools and encourage more walking, cycling, and scooting.
Essex County Council is responsible for delivering this initiative as it requires changes to be made on the Highway.
Healthy School Streets are currently being considered for schools located on roads just off Lexden Road (apart from Kingswode Hoe) and the school off North Station Road.
This initiative will help to protect children from the damaging health effects of air pollution and improve activity levels and road safety around schools.
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