Traffic jams and air quality: are environmental zones in front of schools the solution?
The daily morning car journeys to school, known as parent taxis, are now a widespread phenomenon in German cities. However, this type of school transport not only harbours safety risks, but also impairs the air quality around schools. The German Association of Cities therefore recently called for more room for manoeuvre for cities and municipalities to take action against this practice.
The impact of traffic jams on air quality is undisputed. More vehicles lead to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are considered harmful to health. Children are particularly at risk as their lungs are still developing. It is therefore understandable that there is a desire to improve the air quality around schools.
In Spain, there are already so-called "school zones" in which car traffic is restricted. Driving bans and restricted parking are intended to improve air quality and ensure the safety of schoolchildren. Could such a model also work in German cities?
The demand for more room for manoeuvre for local authorities in traffic planning and management could make this possible. However, it is questionable whether temporary road closures in front of schools are a practicable and effective solution. They could lead to traffic being shifted to neighbouring streets, which would not solve the problem but only shift it. They could also place an additional burden on parents who are dependent on the car.
Another challenge is the legal issue. At present, it is very difficult for local authorities to prove a specific risk situation in order to justify such road closures. A nationwide, legally secure regulation would therefore be desirable.
Ultimately, the introduction of school zones could lead to more environmental zones and driving bans. But is this really the right approach? It is important to improve air quality and ensure the safety of children. But other solutions should also be considered that are less restrictive and tackle not only the symptoms but also the causes of the problem.
One approach could be to make public transport and cycling more attractive and to make the journey to school safer for children. This could be achieved through better cycle paths, more school buses and safer footpaths.
In short, the problem of "parent taxis" will not be easy to solve. A balanced solution is needed that takes into account the safety and health of children, air quality and the mobility needs of parents. It remains to be seen whether school zones represent such a solution.