Councillor Howard Sykes MBE asks for special restrictions to be placed on vehicles waiting outside of schools. This is to reduce air pollution. Restrictions apply at peak times in other parts of the UK to reduce air pollution in problem areas. Councillor Sykes wants to trial this locally for Oldham Schools. This could successfully reduce traffic and encourage more families to walk and cycle to school. The Greater Manchester Clean Air plan is unclear when it comes to its school’s policy and the Liberal Democrats want Oldham to lead the way.
In the current version of the Greater Manchester Clean Air plan, the only mention of schools is a couple of sentences saying Greater Manchester Combined Authority should find ways to help people use their cars less. There is no detail to how our many schools in Greater Manchester will be a part of this clean air plan.
Councillor Sykes states: “I am not aware of any schools within the Borough that operate such a clean air scheme. This would be a good idea if we want to be ahead of the rest of Greater Manchester on environmental issues and healthier lifestyles.”
“I feel very strongly that Oldham Council could inspire the region by starting our own public campaign on clean air. We have a rich history on tackling these issues going back to tacking the famous ‘pea soup fogs’ we use to have making Oldham smokeless in the 60’ and 70’s. Oldham Borough declared a climate change emergency this September. Actions speak louder than words, this is a practical suggestion we should at least try.”