Air pollution is recognised by a wealth of studies as being detrimental to human health, with children being generally more vulnerable than adults. In particular, children experience high exposure on journeys to and from school and when playing outside during break times. This problem is particularly acute in London.

This research addresses how the policy making process for reducing air pollution can be improved to reduce London school children’s exposure. To investigate this, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 28 stakeholder experts from London local authorities, London regional and central government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Three key policy initiatives were also evaluated using the theory-based approach of contribution analysis: the London Mayor’s School Air Quality Audit Programme; ‘School Streets’; and the Idling Action London School Programme.

The London Mayor’s School Air Quality Audit Programme commenced in 2017 and resulted in 50 primary school audits with funding awarded to start implementation of measures to reduce pollution. The Programme was found to be a contributory factor in the reduction of NO2 concentration levels at 44 of the 50 participating schools. School Streets, roads with timed restrictions to through traffic at school drop off and collection times, were also found to play a contributory role in the reduction of average NO2 concentration levels recorded across 16 sample schools, compared to comparator schools. The Idling Action London School Programme commenced in 2016 and aimed to reduce unnecessary school related engine idling. This research identified that this Programme did not play a contributory role in reducing NO2 concentration levels at six of the schools studied. Nonetheless, the evidence linking anti-idling campaigns with air quality benefits is acknowledged.

Despite the positive evaluation of two of the three policy initiatives, it was found that London local authorities and schools are under no obligation to implement them, with a lack of power and a reliance on competitive funding bids cited as barriers to action. This research identifies legislative action to give local authorities greater power and unlock more consistent funding to be able to take action to reduce school children’s exposure in London. Whilst legislative change is a longer-term goal, this research recommends that more immediate action is taken by making full use of devolved London Mayoral power to require London local authorities to more swiftly implement School Streets and roll out School Air Quality Audits throughout their boroughs. These Audits should be used to help identify and appropriately target locations in the vicinity of schools for anti-idling campaigns. This research also asserts that appropriate, standardised and more extensive data collection relating to air quality around schools and improved guidance is needed.