Clean up air at schools

AT last the effects of transport emissions on health are firmly on the agenda for action (Call for action as report reveals how pollution affects schools close to busy roads, June 24). Not a moment too soon.

The news may be bad but the power to end this growing public health crisis lies in residents’ hands. We can think before we drive – is that car-journey really necessary? More than 80 per cent of such trips are under five miles and 20 per cent under two. These short journeys are also the most polluting. 

What better example of the “community cohesion” politicians love to talk about than cutting car-use across a borough in which the majority of residents don’t own a car but where we all breathe the same filthy air? 

A good way of combining personal and political action would be to demand that MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry, as well as London Assembly member Jennette Arnold, support the campaign for a clean-air zone around every Islington school. The schools, through their governors, might wish to initiate such action. Unhealthy children can’t learn easily. 

The council could support Camden’s excellent cross-party initiative on air quality, due to be launched in September. Healthy air is obviously a non-party political issue and the groundwork’s been done by our neighbour borough. Acting together on air pollution could give the lead to the rest of the capital’s local authorities. That would be something to be proud of.

The outstanding non-party Campaign for Clean Air in London can be followed on Twitter @CleanAirLondon and online at www.cleanairinlondon.org.          

MEG HOWARTH
Ellington Street, N7 

Published: 8 July, 2011