Exhaust fumes from cars idling outside schools can be really damaging for children’s development, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
The Wicklow TD has tabled new legislation aimed at introducing fines parents for who sit in their cars with the engine running outside schools.
Gardaí and traffic wardens would be empowered to hand out €40 on-the-spot fines to anyone idling within 100 metres of any school.
On The Hard Shoulder this evening, Deputy Whitmore said schools become “air pollution hotspots” at certain times each day.
“Any parent or anyone who has driven by a school at peak pick-up or drop-off times will know it can be quite chaotic,” she said.
“Oftentimes what you have is parents sitting in cars waiting for children to come out and they often just leave the car running. What you’ll see is there can be a lot of emissions coming out and schools can really be pollution hotspots.”
Air pollution
She said the air quality outside schools can “very, very poor” as a result.
“Because of the small size of children and their developing nature, they are actually really susceptible to air pollution,” she said.
“Studies have shown that poor air pollution can impact young people’s lung development, their heart development; it can cause diabetes, it can cause cognitive impairment and one-in-five Irish children have asthma.
“So, it is a really, really big public health issue and there does tend to be hotspots around schools. You see children walking by cars with the engines running and literally the exhausts can be going right into their faces as they try to get into school.”
Idling cars
Deputy Whitmore said the main hope for the bill is that it starts a conversation around idling cars.
“I actually think if most parents knew how damaging idling is with those emissions just pumping out of their cars - because it is very toxic - I think most parents would actually switch off,” she said.
“It is about remembering when you are sitting in the car, just switch off, wait that few minutes so your child can come in and then start the car up again and head off.”
She said the legislation would also empower schools who are already running information campaigns urging parents to turn off their engines.
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