Play England is deeply concerned that the worsening air quality in Britain’s cities is threatening children’s school breaktimes (‘Filthy air’ forces Khan to announce pollution warning, 24 January).
The way to tackle air pollution is introducing traffic exclusion zones, not banning children from playing outside. Children’s playtime is vital. It provides an essential space for them to socialise and enjoy physical activity. They take about a third of their recommended daily physical activity during these breaktimes. With child obesity on the rise, children need every opportunity possible to get active.
London needs to follow the lead of cities like Edinburgh that have introduced traffic bans outside schools to address the root cause of the pollution.
Nicola Butler
Play England
• You report on page that a “very high” pollution alert was issued for London yesterday by the mayor Sadiq Khan. But your weather page says that the Defra forecast for air pollution in London is “moderate”. Which of these alt-facts should we believe? Do Defra and the mayor speak to each other?
Stuart Wallace
London
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