Battersea schoolchildren ask drivers to help improve local air quality

• Council drive to clean up air around schools  
• Free bikes and cycle storage for local children  
• Wandsworth uses Mayor of London funding to benefit families  

Pupils from St Mary’s RC Primary School in Battersea took to the streets around their school asking drivers to turn their engines off while waiting. They handed out leaflets and talked to motorists about how their actions could help air quality.

Meanwhile, new bikes and cycle classes were being delivered to St George’s CE Primary School and Griffin Primary in Nine Elms to help school children understand the rules of the road while getting active on two wheels.

Jamie Colclough, Wandsworth Council's air quality champion said: “Helping our children and families to live healthier lives and breathe more easily are key priorities for this council.

“Encouraging local schoolchildren to get involved in these activities is a great way to get the message out to drivers and other residents that we’re serious about reducing emissions around schools in our borough.”

School 'superzone'

St Mary’s new anti-idling awareness exercise aims to reduce vehicle exhaust pollution and improve the quality of air for children living locally and attending that school.

A ‘superzone’ has been created around the school aimed at reducing harmful exposures and creating a healthier place for children. Funded by the GLA, the school receives grant funding for initiatives including a real-time air pollution monitor, guidance on low air pollution routes to school for children, a community safety audit around the school and new after-school physical activity programmes. 

The Breathe London air monitor measures real-time air pollution just outside the school to provide information on peak exposure times. This will help the school inform parents and families so they can reduce their exposure levels.

Helping to improve air quality around St Mary's school

Free bikes and storage

Free bikes for Griffin and St George’s schools have been provided by the council using funding from the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund (Business Low Emissions Neighbourhood) which involves local businesses and residents in improving air quality. Bikes for St Mary’s school have also been delivered by Wandsworth Council using funding collected from Nine Elms developers.

Pupils are encouraged to ride to school and take part in cycle clubs thanks to new free bikes and bike and scooter storage shelters installed in playgrounds.

Cycle and scooter storage at St George's school

The area around the Patmore Cooperative, Savona Estate and Carey Gardens has been at the centre of recent road improvements including new crossings for local schoolchildren, wider pavements and a new segregated cycle lane along Thessaly Road, connecting cyclists with TfL cycle routes along Wandsworth Road and Battersea Park Road.

Griffin pupils follow the new cycleway on Thessaly Road

Aimed at encouraging more sustainable travel choices, cycle storage will also be installed at Carey Gardens and electric vehicle charging points have been introduced for traders and businesses at neighbouring New Covent Garden Market.

Wandsworth Council is committed to cleaning up the borough’s air and is working to reduce emissions around schools. We have an active school travel strategy to encourage the use of sustainable transport and reduce engine idling, including the introduction of School Streets.

Find out more about our commitment to improving air quality and our Citizens' Assembly