Prevent the Cough Campaign to educate on effects of Engine Idling.

December 1, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) and Ards and North Down Borough Council are working together to help combat air pollution.

In association with nine local primary schools, ‘Prevent The Cough’ aims to tackle air pollution in and around our schools by educating students, parents and the general public on engine idling.

Participating primary schools have been given a resource pack which includes a range of educational materials to help them develop their own ‘no idling’ project.

LCCC’s Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Andrew Ewing said: “It is important that we all play our part in helping the environment and one of the ways to do so is by ensuring good air quality.

“Harmful gases can be released through engine idling which is when your vehicle engine is running but you’re not moving for more than 10-20 seconds. It’s not only bad for the environment but also to vulnerable people in our society such as children, older residents and those with other underlying health issues.

Principal of Old Warren Primary School Mr Sean Campbell added: “Schools are safe places where we want to ensure the best for our future generations and that includes their health and wellbeing.

 “The campaign will not only result in an improvement to our air quality but it will develop skills such as language, literacy and mathematics along with an increased understanding of the world around us.”

Ards and North Down Deputy Mayor Councillor Robert Adair concluded: “Air pollution affects us all and idling outside school gates at drop off and pick up means that children are exposed to increased and unnecessary air pollution. 

“Our campaign will help to raise everyone’s awareness of the issue. By walking or cycling to school, we can improve our health through exercise, limit air pollution and lower greenhouse gases all at the same time. It is important that we all do our bit to tackle the problem.”

The project is part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs.

For more information click here.

Caption: Chair of Environmental Services Councillor Andrew Ewing and Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Robert Adair were joined at the launch of 'Prevent the Cough' by Old Warren Primary School Principal Mr Campbell and P5 teacher Mrs Lowham.