Eight out of 10 people who responded to a survey about car idling said they want it banned outside school gates.
The research was commissioned by the charity Asthma + Lung UK Scotland.
More than 1,000 people were interviewed for the study, with 78 per cent saying they want new laws put in place to stop people leaving their car engines running while they are waiting near schools.
The survey was carried out ahead of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, which takes place today. The event, organised by the United Nations Environment Programme, highlights the importance of improving air quality to protect human health.
After schools in Scotland returned from the summer break in August, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is asking members of the public to think twice about leaving their car idling where pupils gather, and to switch off their car engines.
The risks of car engines being left running outside schools
The charity said it is also encouraging local authorities to ensure that car idling laws are enforced.
Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “Exhaust emissions from cars contain dangerous toxins such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
“It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our children - no one should be forced to breathe in harmful pollutants.
“Most people agree, we can all do our bit by turning off our car engines, especially when we are near a school.”
He added: “Many people mistakenly believe that stopping a car engine, only to restart it a minute or two later, causes more pollution than idling. It doesn’t.
“Leaving your car engine running for no reason is actually illegal but the law is not enforced.
“We all need to drive less and walk and cycle more, but if you need to drive your car, please switch off your engine outside schools.”
Asthma + Lung UK Scotland research shows that pollution near schools is particularly harmful because it can stunt the growth of children’s lungs. Given that children also breathe more rapidly than adults, they take in more pollution through their lungs.
The charity also says air pollution can cause new lung conditions such as lung cancer, and worsen existing ones, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Leanne McGuire, of Glasgow City Parents Group, said: “We are encouraging all parents, carers and anyone involved in school pick-ups or drop-offs to turn their car engines off when stopping near our schools.
“As parents, we understand we can have competing priorities, rushing around after our families all day. Turning off your engine while waiting doesn’t eat into your time but it could make a huge difference to the air quality around our schools.”
She added: “We can all play our part in making our school communities safer by not idling our car engines and reducing air pollution.
“We should all strive to reduce the harms of air pollution for our own children and for our school community.”
