Schoolchildren in Battersea and Nine Elms have been sharing anti-idling information with drivers in the area.

Pupils from St Mary's RC Primary School in Battersea took to the streets around their school to ask drivers to turn their engines off while waiting.

Motorists were given leaflets and learned how their actions behind the wheel could help air quality in the local area.

(Credit: Wandsworth Council)

St Mary's new anti-idling awareness programme hopes to reduce vehicle exhaust pollution and improve the quality of air for children living in Battersea and attending the school.

A 'superzone' has been created around St Mary's aimed at reducing harmful exposures and creating a healthier place for children. Funded by the GLA, the school receives grant funding for initiatives including a real-time air pollution monitor, guidance on low air pollution routes to school for children, a community safety audit around the school and new after-school physical activity programmes. 

At the same time, new bikes and cycle classes were being delivered to St George's CE Primary School and Griffin Primary in Nine Elms to help school children understand the rules of the road and encourage them into active travel.

St George's school in Nine Elms gains cycle and scooter storage (Credit: Wandsworth Council)

Jamie Colclough, Wandsworth Council's air quality champion said: "Helping our children and families to live healthier lives and breathe more easily are key priorities for this council.

"Encouraging local schoolchildren to get involved in these activities is a great way to get the message out to drivers and other residents that we're serious about reducing emissions around schools in our borough."

Free bikes for Griffin and St George's schools have been provided by Wandsworth council using funding from the Mayor of London's Air Quality Fund (Business Low Emissions Neighbourhood) which involves local businesses and residents in improving air quality.

Bikes for St Mary's school have also been delivered by Wandsworth Council using funding collected from Nine Elms developers.

Griffin pupils follow the new cycleway on Thessaly Road (Credit: Wandsworth Council)

Pupils are encouraged to ride to school and take part in cycle clubs thanks to new free bikes and bike and scooter storage shelters installed in playgrounds.

The area around the Patmore Cooperative, Savona Estate and Carey Gardens has been at the centre of recent road improvements that include new crossings for local schoolchildren, wider pavements and a new segregated cycle lane along Thessaly Road, connecting cyclists with TfL cycle routes along Wandsworth Road and Battersea Park Road.

St George's schoolchildren take part in cycling practice (Credit: Wandsworth Council)

Cycle storage will be installed at Carey Gardens and electric vehicle charging points have been introduced for traders and businesses at neighbouring New Covent Garden Market.