Did you know that if all drivers that are stationary for more than 10 seconds switched off their engines, the harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from cars and vans would reduce by 8%?
Clearing up the air in the borough is a key priority, so Ealing Council is taking action against careless drivers who put residents’ health at risk from air pollution by increasing the fines for unnecessary idling to £80, the maximum allowed by law. To tackle unnecessary engine idling, the council has also been working with local schools such as Hambrough Primary School, as part of Mayor of London’s Idling Action London campaign.
The council will continue to work with schools, residents and businesses to highlight the importance and benefits of switching off vehicle engines.
Anti-idling enforcement
Residents and businesses will soon see signage at places, such as schools, bus stops, taxi ranks and other locations where the air quality is poor, reminding drivers to turn their engines off whenever they can. The council will introduce a borough-wide traffic management order (TMO), and from the autumn will start formal enforcement. That means that £80 fines can be issued for running your vehicle engine while not in motion.
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “Unnecessary idling pollutes the air we breathe, adds to the climate crisis and causes asthma and other lung and heart conditions in both children and adults. We are determined to tackle avoidable air pollution by persuading drivers to switch off their engines while stationary wherever possible. That’s why we are ramping up fines to the maximum and introducing anti-idling enforcement across the borough.
“We will continue working with schools, residents and businesses to raise awareness of the health and climate impacts of idling so we can all enjoy cleaner air, longer life and a more sustainable planet.”
A silent killer
Air pollution is a huge risk to the public with around 160 people dying prematurely as a result of air pollution in the borough every year.
Impact of idling vehicles
Idling can cost up to 3p per minute in fuel. If a vehicle idled for 10 minutes per day, within six months that would cost over £58. Stopping and restarting your engine creates less pollution than idling for one minute.
Say no to unnecessary idling and yes to clean air by switching off your engine whenever possible. Join in the movement on social media by using #NoIdling and #EnginesOffEveryStop.
