An analysis of official air pollution and transport data in South London has uncovered a sharp rise in congestion and air pollution coinciding with the start of the private school term
Private schools are contributing to a nearly 50% increase in pollution and traffic congestion, despite serving a minority of pupils, according to new data from parent campaign group Solve the School Run.
An analysis of official air pollution and transport data in South London has uncovered a sharp rise in congestion and air pollution coinciding with the start of the private school term. Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), a harmful air pollutant produced by vehicle emissions, increase by 16% during state school terms but surge to 47% when private schools resume. NO2 exposure is linked to severe health conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer, while short-term exposure can cause airway inflammation and heightened susceptibility to respiratory infections.
The research, focused on Herne Hill and Dulwich, aligns with similar findings in other parts of London and Oxford. Using data from the Mayor’s Breathe London air pollution program (October 2023 – August 2024) and Transport for London (TfL) bus journey records, researchers compared air quality and congestion during school holidays and term times.
The findings highlight the disproportionate impact of private school term times on traffic and pollution. State school pupils in these areas experience significantly cleaner air when private schools are on break. The study even suggests that during private school term time, state school pupils would need to walk to school as early as 5 a.m. to enjoy air quality comparable to private school holiday periods.
Calls for Action
Solve the School Run is advocating for several measures to mitigate the impact of school traffic, including:
• Staffed walking lines and ‘bike buses’ to support working parents.
• Investment in school buses for primary pupils attending private schools.
• Timed closures of school streets during drop-off and pick-up times.
• More cycle paths and storage facilities to encourage parents to use cargo bikes.
Across London, nearly a quarter of primary school pupils (24%) are driven to school daily, adding approximately 240,000 extra car journeys each morning and afternoon.
Nicola Pastore, a data analytics consultant and co-founder of Solve the School Run, emphasized the widespread impact of school traffic: “The data is clear – we are all affected by the school run, whether we are bus passengers, dog-walkers, or families on their way to school. We need better data on these journeys and safer travel routes, along with parent-free travel options like staffed bike buses and school buses.”
Official Response
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transport: “The majority of children already walk or cycle to school, and we are doing everything we can to encourage more Londoners to make active travel choices. TfL has quadrupled the number of cycleways since 2016, and over 500 School Streets and 100 Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes have made it safer for families to get around on foot and by bike. We urge families to consider sustainable options for the school run to help build a greener and healthier London.”
Parents’ Perspective
South London parent and Solve the School Run member Kate Hampson shared her experience: “Most days, my kids and I cycle the two miles to their independent school. If not, we take the train and walk or scoot from the station. While parts of the journey are pleasant, the area near the school lacks a bike lane and has heavy traffic. I want safe options for all families so they can leave the car at home. Reducing school-run traffic would make the air cleaner and roads safer for everyone.”
A Wider Issue
The issue extends beyond South London, with similar trends reported in Hampstead, Wandsworth, Richmond, and Oxford. Research from Oxford councillor Emily Kerr found that private schools, despite educating only 30% of the city’s pupils, account for up to 50% of school-run traffic.
Kerr suggested a solution: “Private schools should invest in minibuses for all age groups. These would offer a cost-effective and convenient alternative to driving. Some schools in Oxford are already implementing this, and we hope others across the country follow suit.”
The findings have also drawn attention from environmental experts. Professor Ben Barratt of Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group praised the community-driven research: “It’s fascinating to see air pollution levels aligning so closely with school term times. Road transport is a major contributor to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Communities using Breathe London data to pinpoint pollution sources and campaign for change is a positive step.”
Solve the School Run
Solve the School Run is a charity made up of parents from both state and private schools. Concerned about congestion, road safety, and pollution during the school run, the group uses data-driven research to advocate for safer and more sustainable school travel options for all families.
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