DRIVERS have been warned to switch off their engines outside Buckinghamshire's schools as part of a new campaign to protect children’s health.

Princes Risborough School is a trailblazer aiming for cleaner air in its anti-idling initiative.

The establishment is under the Insignis Academy Trust chassis, one of five schools in Buckinghamshire taking a stand to improve air quality.

Princes Risborough Town Council said a static engine can emit up to double the pollutants of a moving car, discharging harmful sulphur dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide.

These components degrade the environment and air quality, leading to health problems such as asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.

Commenting on the matter, Assistant Head Teacher Mrs Vikki Woodley said: “Vehicle exhaust fumes are damaging to everyone’s health, but it especially affects children, whose lungs are still developing.

"When they are exposed to elevated levels of these pollutants, children have an increased risk of developing asthma, respiratory problems and other adverse health effects. By turning off engines, drivers can improve the quality of air students, parents and teachers breathe while they are at school”.

Leading by example, Princes Risborough School is introducing a ban on idling engines within school premises, which include school buses.

Additionally, the school is inviting parents and guardians to back this initiative.

They can demonstrate their support by pledging to avoid idling while dropping off and picking up the children in the nearby streets.

Simon Baker, of the Insignis Academy Trust, supports the initiative.

He said: "We thought that was such an important initiative that we decided to adopt the policy across all four of our schools in Buckinghamshire straight away. Particulate air pollution has been estimated to lead to up to 36,000 deaths a year in England”

The initiative is also backed by Princes Risborough Town Council.

Councillor Andrew Cross says he looks forward to supporting any ensuing action day, praising his town's school for spearheading the campaign.

Adding: “I’m very proud to support this campaign and proud that it’s Princes Risborough School that’s taken the lead. Air pollution is the largest environmental risk we face but drivers who don’t cut their engines when waiting aren’t just wasting fuel and damaging the environment, they’re breaking the law and risk being fined too.”

Members of the student council, the Town Council, and school staff plan to congregate outside the school gates on October 10 for an Action Day to promote awareness of idling vehicles' impact on air quality.

Mrs Woodley concluded: “By making this simple change, I believe we can make a real difference and improve the quality of air we all breathe."