Private school runs in south London linked to 27% rise in air pollution

Parents driving children to private schools is associated with a 27% increase in air pollution and congestion in a south London street, according to campaigners who are calling for private schools to make greater use of sustainable transport.

- Richard Adams

The analysis by Solve The School Run found that nitrogen dioxide levels and fine particulates produced by vehicles in the street in Herne Hill were far higher when nearby private schools such as Dulwich College were open compared with when only local state schools were open.

Bus times were also affected, with commuters facing longer delays on local buses at morning peak times on the days when Range Rovers and SUVs were ferrying children to private schools.