Birmingham Time To Act video highlights air pollution around schools

The UK’s second largest city-proper is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness about the health hazards of a toxic atmosphere with a new film looking at the impact on schools and pupils. 

Aiming to keep the conversation about air pollution going, Birmingham City Council, which is behind the campaign, is asking the public to like and share the clip using the hashtags #TimeToAct and #BrumBreathes. 

Active forms of travel, and switching vehicles off while stationary – particularly at school gates – are also fundamental public messages in the push, which highlights the fact that 80% of all pollutants in Birmingham’s air currently come from vehicle and transport sources.

Those working in schools, including teachers and pastoral staff, are asked to email connected@birmingham.gov.uk to learn more about air quality monitoring options available. 

Local policymakers have already published a new Clean Air Strategy, which includes six specific pledges to constituents to bring down levels of harmful pollutants, launched a Clean Air Zone, and are now trying to encourage the public to consider walking or cycling journeys .less than two miles, with the region-wide West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme already up and running (and free of charge between 6AM and 11AM).

Meanwhile three new stations on the Camp Hill line have been confirmed by West Midlands Rail, which could lead to a 25% reduction in car journeys in southern districts and into the city centre once open, with the £61m investment indicative of a wider initiative to get more people off roads and onto trains and trams. 

Last year, research showed that more than three-quarters of UK teachers noticed lower concentration levels among pupils in areas impacted by poor air quality.