News article

Council and local campaign groups encourage residents to ‘switch on to switching off’ for Clean Air Day

Warwick District Council is encouraging residents to ‘switch on’ to the positive impact of switching off their idling engine for Clean Air Day, which takes place on Thursday 17 June 2021.

Clean Air Day highlights the negative impacts of air pollution on health and the importance of everyone playing a part to improve the air we breathe. The Council is looking to build on last year’s campaign which targeted ‘fuelish’ idlers running their engine unnecessarily when stationary, especially around schools.

In addition to promoting the many health benefits of choosing a sustainable form of transport such as walking or cycling, the Council is working with local campaign groups Clean Air for Leamington and Clean Air Warwick to encourage behaviour change by asking residents to consciously ‘switch on’ to the idea of switching off their engine when stationary.

Local schools are encouraged to take part and visit the Clean Air Day website which has a wealth of resources available for schools and parents including posters, pledge cards and information on how to organise a ‘walking bus’. Amongst those taking part are Barford St. Peter’s C of E Primary School, Emscote Infant School, Coten End Primary School and Newburgh Primary School, all of which are planning a range of activities.

Other groups and businesses are also encouraged to think about how they can contribute to improving local air quality by sharing information about the negative impact of idling through their social media channels, and reminding their employees to switch off their engine when stationary. People can take inspiration from the Clean Air Day website which has a range of useful resources for individuals, health care professionals, community groups and businesses.

Visit www.cleanairday.org.uk for more information.