The competition was launched to primary and secondary schools across Medway, with prizes on offer in both categories.

As part of our collaborative relationship with Medway Council and our commitment to reducing our adverse effects on climate change, through our People, Planet, Purpose framework, VolkerHighways donated a scooter pod to the winning school in the primary school category.

Taking the top spot and receiving the scooter pod, donated by the business, was High Halstow Primary Academy. The school impressed the judges with its scientific approach. The pupils undertook a survey before starting the campaign and created posters and wrote to parents and carers to encourage them to turn off their engines. After, they completed the survey again, and confirmed their actions had a positive impact on the air quality at their school.

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only the prize-winning schools, but everyone who took part in the competition. Raising awareness about improving air quality and the small changes we can all make to reduce carbon emissions is incredibly important.

It is great to see Medway’s children and young people championing climate change in their local communities. We know children and young people are passionate about climate change and providing opportunities for them to have their voices heard supports our ambition to make Medway even more child-friendly.”

Sohail Hussain, Project Manager for VolkerHighways’ Medway contract, said: “We all need to do our part to improve the climate crisis. The local community plays an important part in the work we do at VolkerHighways, and we were delighted to support Medway Council’s anti-idling competition. We hope the school will benefit from the scooter pod for many years to come.”