Conservatives Block Plans to Improve Air Quality Outside Schools

Conservatives at Herts County Council have blocked a Liberal Democrat proposal to cut air pollution around schools. The proposal, at a meeting of the council this week, called for the council to set up "No Idling" zones around schools to cut air pollution that particularly affects children arriving at or leaving school, but the Conservatives voted it down saying that they were already doing enough to improve air quality.

Liberal Democrat highways spokesperson Stephen Giles-Medhurst said, "There is clear evidence of the effect of air pollution on health and particularly the health of children. We wanted the council to take a simple step that would improve air quality around schools, but the Conservatives wouldn't do anything. One Conservative councillor even described taking action to improve children's health as an 'attack on motorists'.

"Councils have had the power to fine drivers for leaving their engines running for many years and other councils, including Richmond and Oxford, have taken action to prevent vehicles idling outside schools. Hertfordshire should do the same."