Protecting our children’s health from air pollution is the focus for this year’s national Clean Air Day 2021, which Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is proud to support.
The national campaign by Global Action Plan is running on Thursday 17 June, with the aim of encouraging local people to support clean air projects across the Borough and helping to protect our children’s health from air pollution.
The Council has already launched the ‘School Streets’ scheme, where pilot schools have the roads directly outside the school gates closed during drop-off and pick-up times to stop traffic congestion, encourage walking or cycling travel to school and reduce air pollution from car fumes.
Clean Air Day also coincides with a number of ongoing council projects which support its goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, including:
- Air Quality Action Plan consultation
- Green City Action Plan
- Air Quality Management Areas
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “This council is absolutely committed to achieving our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Campaigns such as Clean Air Day 2021 are vital in helping to promote the importance of clean air, not just for the environment, but for our own health too.
“Our trail blazing School Streets schemes have been welcomed with open arms by the pilot schools, with many more registering an interest in joining the scheme, which looks to reduce carbon emissions around primary school entrances, leading to cleaner air for our children.
“I would urge all of our residents to get involved in one way or another to help clean up the air in the Borough. We as a council cannot achieve carbon neutrality alone, we need everyone to play their part. One way of getting involved is to leave the car at home for the day if possible and taking public transport or riding a bike. We also have an Air Quality Action Plan consultation ongoing, which looks to address air quality issues across the Borough.
“I hope residents take part in Clean Air Day 2021 to help us protect our children and help us reduce carbon emissions in our Borough. Please remember, play your part, keep it parked.”
See our website for more information on protecting the environment.