Glasgow primary pupils complained about dirty air at school

Youngsters at St Patrick’s Primary School are distressed about vehicle pollution according to their teacher.

Staff have reported children say ‘we deserve to breathe clean air’ as their school sits near a busy motorway.

READ MORE: Fire destroys home after hoverboard burst into flames

Air pollution near schools is particularly harmful as it can stunt the growth of children’s lungs.

They also breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they take in more pollution through their lungs.

Jimmy Prentice, teacher at St Patrick’s Primary School, which is sited right next to the M8 motorway, said:​ “Children feel the impact which vehicle pollution has on their health. We have had pupils complain to staff saying ‘we deserve to breathe clean air’ and ‘a cleaner environment is a better place to learn’.

"We educate our pupils about the importance of playing their part in looking after the environment, but the wider school community can also act as good role models by turning off their engines while waiting outside schools to help keep our air clean and our children’s environment healthier.

"Many city schools are already close to busy roads where air pollution is high and fumes from idling engines compound that pollution further undermining the safety and rights of children and young people."

Gillian and daughter Ailith (Image: Sourced)

Gillian MacDonald, Glasgow parent of seven-year-old Ailith, said: “As a parent, I’m really worried about what my kids might be breathing in, especially because you can’t always see the pollutants in the air. “It’s scary knowing there’s this invisible danger around their school, but we do know how to reduce it.

“Just turning off our engines while waiting can make a big difference in protecting their lungs.

“It’s something so simple, but it can help keep our children safe from harm we might not always notice.”

Leanne McGuire, chairperson of Glasgow City Parents Group. (Image: Sourced)

Now a new report from leading health charity Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is calling for better enforcement of vehicle idling to protect public health and the environment, with polling commissioned by the charity showing almost 73% of people surveyed want an idling ban enforced outside of schools.

The research, Clearing the Air: Transport + Lung Health, looks at the impact of air pollution from cars, buses and trains.

READ MORE: I saw Azealia Banks at O2 Academy in Glasgow - my verdict

Freedom of Information analysis obtained by the charity, found that of the twenty councils which recorded information on vehicle idling complaints and have adopted the powers to enforce fixed penalty notices, only one local authority issued a fine between January 2021 and May 2024.

This is despite over 1,100 complaints in the same period and almost 4,000 measures such as proactive checks and warnings.

Leanne McGuire, chairperson of Glasgow City Parents Group (GCPG) said: “It is our duty as adults to safeguard the health and future of our children and young people.

“Ensuring their health and wellbeing should be a top priority, and it's clear that the people of Scotland are united in their call for action against cars idling at school gates."

READ MORE: Glasgow subway passengers noticed tiny drawings on tickets

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our children.

"No one should be forced to breathe in dangerous toxins such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter which make up exhaust emissions from cars.

“It is a common myth that stopping a car engine, only to restart it a minute or two later, causes more pollution than idling. It doesn’t.

“We can all do our bit by turning off our car engines especially when we are near a school.”