Air pollution

Put a stop to idling engines

Traffic jam

What is idling?

  • Idling is the act of leaving a vehicle's engine running while it is stationary.
  • Aside from stopping in light traffic, idling is often not necessary and should be avoided.

Why is idling bad?

  • An idling engine increases the amount of exhaust fumes in the air.
  • Exhaust emissions contain a range of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.
  • These pollutants negatively affect the surrounding environment and the air we breathe.

What can you do?

  • Switch off your vehicle's engine if you could be waiting for more than a minute.
    • Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they're re-started (without pressing the accelerator).
  • Turn off your engine when stationary, such as when outside a school, shop, at a taxi rank, while unloading / loading, or while parked outside your house.

What are the benefits?

  • Less pollution.
  • Helps reduce instances of asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer.
  • Saves you money both on fuel and engine maintenance.

Last updated: 25/03/2022 11:34:37