Research and analysis

Transport interventions at schools: health impacts and benefits

An evidence review of international and UK studies on the health impacts and benefits of transport interventions at schools.

Documents

Transport interventions at schools: health impacts and benefits

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Traffic-related air pollution is linked to adverse health effects, disproportionately affecting children and contributing to health inequalities. Children travelling to school are particularly vulnerable to high levels of traffic-related pollution.

Interventions around schools have aimed to reduce children’s exposure to pollution and promote active travel. Interventions can offer co-benefits such as increased physical exercise, improved road safety, enhanced socialising, reduced traffic congestion, and potential health benefits.

Following on from previous reviews, some recommendations were proposed that included supporting active travel choices and use of public transport. This work is a step further in reviewing the effectiveness of transport-related interventions around schools in reducing children’s exposure to air pollution and assessing associated health benefits as well as other co-benefits.

Updates to this page

Published 19 June 2025

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