Air Quality & school parking

Some residents have expressed concern about a number of school run cars parked up with engine running so seemed good opportunity to share information on the issue.

To begin with, it is illegal to sit with the engine idling and there is a £20 fine attached. If the driver decides to catch up with their phones wihile idling maybe to stay warm/cool, then that is a double whammy as your hands should not be on your phone while engine is running. (source RAC)

Also it is very polluting, the engine could be pumping twice as many particulates while idling as compared to when car is in motion. School run traffic does lead to higher pollution near to school. This pollution does affect young children more than it does adults. (source Public Health England)

Markeaton Primary School regularly reminds their parents on this matter and to reduce pollution has set up an agreement with the Jonty Farmer so parents can avoid the hassle of finding parking spaces on our streets (they do seem to arrive pretty early to secure one!) The school is also in continuing discussions with the council and local police on the matter.

It is the case that that it is not just parking connected with the school that plays a part - tradesmen, residents’ visitors and university related parking are also factors