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1 Apr 99

SWITCH OFF YOUR ENGINE!

Parents in Poole are being asked to "switch off" their engines in a new scheme designed to cut down car pollution outside schools. The scheme sparked by young people in the Borough, features adverts on the back of Wilts & Dorset Buses which aim to encourage parents to "switch off" their engines whilst waiting to collect children from school.

Pupils from Hamworthy Middle School raised the issue during a meeting of the Borough of Poole's Junior Pupil Forum which gives young people the opportunity to discuss subjects of particular interest to them, their schools and the local area with Poole Councillors. Pupils between the ages of 7 and 12 attend the forum, with one representative elected from each of the Borough's schools.

The adverts have been co-ordinated by Borough of Poole's TravelWise campaign which aims to encourage sensible car use and promote alternative transport options including walking, cycling and public transport.

Kathy Saunders, Travel Awareness Officer, said: "Young people have raised protection of the environment as an issue of major importance to them. We hope that through this campaign they will encourage their parents to become involved in the small steps each of us can take to protect the environment and the health of our children. Although generally air quality in the town is better than the national average, vehicle exhausts are major contributors to Nitrogen Dioxide and Fine Particulate pollution".

Kathy Saunders, Transportation Services - tel. 01202 262051