Local people fed up of air pollution and car’s leaving their engines on have taken matters into their own hands.
Dr Patrick Carrington and other Hale residents have taken action to improve air quality in the village and elsewhere in Trafford.
The campaigners say they are focusing mainly on drivers leaving their engines running while waiting at the level crossing in the centre of the village.
In November 2019, Trafford Council hinted drivers could soon face new rules forcing them to turn their engines off at all level crossings in the borough after heavy campaigning from Green Party members of the council.
Now, Hale residents have had enough.
A spokesperson for the residents said: “There is a real problem caused by drivers idling their car engines for long periods both at the level crossing and all around Hale village.
“Frustrated at the lack of any action from the local council the group have erected signs at the pollution black spots to alert drivers to the dangers of air pollution and politely ask them to turn off their engines.”
The group have also put up their signs near the crossing on Navigation Road in Altrincham.
Dr Patrick Carrington, a local specialist in blood medicine, commented: “I just don’t think drivers realise the damage that idling cars do to their own health because the fumes are concentrated within the cars. Air pollution attacks more organs in the body than smoking and also increases the risk of dying from COVID infection.
“As well as the effects on health for drivers and pedestrians there are financial costs to drivers. It has been estimated that if a car is stationary for just 10 seconds or more turning off the engine will save money.”
Paul Luton, another Hale resident, said: “I live near the crossing and the gates can be closed for up to ten minutes with more than twenty cars waiting – that’s a lot of exhaust fumes!
“There are many schools nearby so it is often children who are breathing in the invisible fumes either in cars or on the pavement.”
The group hope their signs will improve the air quality in Hale “for the sake of everyone in the village.”
Coun Steve Adshead, Trafford council’s executive member for the environment, said: “Trafford council is totally committed to a greener future for the borough and this includes tackling air pollution. We are working closely with other Greater Manchester authorities to improve air quality across the borough through the Clean Air Plan.
“We are also in the process of introducing signs at schools and level crossings warning of the dangers of engine idling and are looking at enforcement measures for drivers who continue to leave their engines running while at a standstill.
“Last year, we launched a successful engine idling campaign as well as a poster competition to highlight the problem to thousands of school pupils across the borough.
“Some of the initiatives we are in the process of introducing, including signage, have been delayed because of the coronavirus epidemic but we are determined to bring them forward.”
