TD wants ban on idling car engines close to schools

Jennifer Whitmore is introducing a bill that would impose a fine of up to €500 on drivers who leave their engines idling within 100 metres of a school

Jennifer Whitmore, a Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, will introduce a bill in the Dáil coming weeks in a bid to deal with the “toxic” fumes children and staff are exposed to. Picture: Shutterstock

Idling a parked car within 100 metres of a school would be banned under a new law being proposed by the Social Democrats.

Jennifer Whitmore, a Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, will introduce a bill in the Dáil coming weeks in a bid to deal with the “toxic” fumes children and staff are exposed to when cars leave their engines on during peak drop-off or pick-up times.

“Parents will be familiar with at times chaotic scenes around the school gates, as cars sit in heavy traffic or are jammed into car parks as children try to walk past to get into class,” Whitmore told the Business Post.