Article written by Anne Cox
Engine idling is leaving a vehicle's engine running while it is stationary. It contributes significantly to air pollution, more so than when the car is moving.
As well as contributing to our carbon footprint, there's a strong link between air pollution and dementia (Alzheimer’s Society research). The Royal College of Physicians estimates 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked to it. As well as carbon dioxide, exhaust fumes also contain harmful gasses including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons which are linked to asthma and other lung diseases.
Idling can be unavoidable but there are instances – such as waiting for children outside schools and sitting in total gridlock – when idling is not necessary and should be avoided. RAC research found that 26% of those caught idling are spotted doing so outside schools putting the health of our young people at risk.
Rule 123 of The Highway Code states that drivers must not… ‘leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road’. Local authorities have the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for engine idling if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine, regardless of the location.
Did you know?
Unnecessary engine idling is illegal under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act. You must switch off your engine if you are stationary for more than a couple of minutes.
IDLING
Pollutes the air we breath and contributes to the climate crisis
Produces more emissions than stopping and restarting your engine
Produces up to twice as many emissions as driving
Generates around 30 million tons of CO2 in the UK every year
Uses more fuel and causes more engine wear and tear than driving
AND
You can still use systems like air conditioning if you switch off your engine by leave the ignition on
So, do you really have to?
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