Stop Idling, Start Saving: Protecting our Children, Air and Wallets

Turn Off When You Stop!

Why Idling Matters

Idling - leaving your engine running while parked - might seem harmless, but it has serious consequences for children’s health, the environment, your car, and your wallet. Let’s explore the key reasons why you should turn off when you stop, bust some myths along the way, and consider active travel options like public transport, car sharing, and Park and Stride as sustainable, healthier alternatives.

 

1. Protect Children's Health

The Facts:

Idling releases harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter into the air, which can cause or worsen conditions like asthma, lung disease, and heart problems. Children are especially vulnerable to these pollutants because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly than adults.

Myth #1: “Idling doesn’t really affect the health of children.”

Fact: Idling outside schools or playgrounds directly affects children’s health, as they inhale more pollutants from vehicle exhaust. Reducing idling near schools helps prevent exposure to harmful toxins, improving overall public health, especially for children.

Active Travel Tip: Instead of driving your child to school, why not consider public transport or joining a Park and Stride scheme? These options help you avoid the idling near schools while providing a healthier, more active way to get to your destination. For those who must drive, car sharing with friends, family, or neighbours reduces the number of vehicles idling at school gates, helping to keep the air clean.

Action: Turn off when you stop to reduce pollution around schools, and embrace active travel options like walking, cycling, and public transport to protect children’s health and the environment. Local authorities may take action to enforce reduced idling near schools and other key areas, including the possibility of issuing fines to drivers who fail to comply with anti-idling rules.

2. Save Money

The Facts:

Every minute your engine is idling, you’re burning fuel unnecessarily. By turning off your engine when parked, you can save money on fuel—up to £100 annually for the average driver. Idling also wastes fuel, reduces your vehicle’s efficiency, and increases the frequency of fuel stops.

Myth #2: “It’s cheaper to keep my engine running than turn it off and restart.”

Fact: Restarting your engine uses less fuel than idling for more than 10 seconds. Modern engines are designed to handle frequent restarts without extra wear, so turning off your engine saves money and reduces unnecessary fuel use.

Active Travel Tip: If you use public transport or car sharing, you can drastically cut down on fuel costs. Car sharing is a great way to save money on fuel, reduce congestion, and cut down on unnecessary idling. If you’re walking or cycling, the savings are even more significant!

Action: Turn off when you stop to save money by switching off your engine when stationary, and consider active travel options like public transport, Park and Stride, or car sharing to further reduce fuel consumption and improve your overall savings. Many local authorities are now encouraging residents to take part in anti-idling campaigns, offering incentives for those who adopt cleaner travel choices.

 

 

3. Help the Environment

The Facts:

Idling contributes to CO₂ emissions and air pollution, which contribute to climate change and degrade local air quality. Reducing idling helps protect the environment, reduce emissions, and improve the air quality of your community.

Myth #3: “Idling doesn’t make a big difference to the environment.”

Fact: Every bit of idling counts. Even short periods of idling can significantly impact the environment, especially in urban areas with high vehicle congestion. By switching off your engine, you are reducing CO₂ emissions and helping combat climate change.

Active Travel Tip: Public transport and car sharing are excellent alternatives to driving alone, especially for short trips. When you take the bus or train, you’re not only reducing idling, but you’re also helping reduce congestion and the overall carbon footprint of your community. If your journey is short, why not try a Park and Stride? These pedestrian-friendly routes reduce your reliance on cars while offering a great way to stay active and healthy.

Action: Turn off when you stop to reduce air pollution and your environmental footprint. By embracing active travel options such as public transport, car sharing, or Park and Stride, you’ll contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Local authorities may also introduce anti-idling policies, such as issuing fines to drivers who leave their engines running in public areas like school zones, parks, or high-traffic areas.

4. Reduce Engine Wear and Tear

The Facts:

Idling doesn’t just waste fuel—it also increases engine wear. Prolonged idling can lead to carbon build-up, which affects the engine’s performance and longevity. Restarting the engine uses less fuel and is actually better for the engine, as modern engines are designed to handle restarts.

Myth #4: “Idling is good for my car’s engine.”

Fact: Idling for long periods actually damages your engine by causing carbon build-up and wearing out vital components like spark plugs. Restarting your car is less harmful and can help extend its lifespan.

Active Travel Tip: Avoiding unnecessary short car trips or opting for active travel methods like walking or cycling, reduces engine strain and helps prolong your vehicle’s life. Plus, public transport and car sharing help reduce the overall wear on your car, as fewer vehicles are on the road.

Action: Turn off when you stop to reduce engine wear and tear, and consider alternatives like public transport, car sharing, or Park and Stride to reduce the need for driving altogether. Follow the Highway Code, which advises against unnecessary idling for environmental and safety reasons. Local authorities may take action to enforce these guidelines with increased awareness campaigns and potential fines for those who don’t comply.

 

 

5. What Commercial Fleet Operators Can Do

Commercial fleet operators have a significant impact on both the environment and their bottom line. Idling costs businesses in fuel, maintenance, and vehicle lifespan, but there are several ways operators can reduce idling and enhance efficiency:

The Facts:

Fleet vehicles spend much of their time idling, whether it’s at a delivery site, waiting for loading, or during drop-offs. This wasteful idling not only burns fuel but also contributes to unnecessary CO₂ emissions and engine wear. Implementing strategies to reduce idling can save money, reduce emissions, and help improve the environmental footprint of a fleet.

Telematics and Anti-Idling Technologies:

One effective way for fleet operators to monitor and reduce idling is through telematics systems. These technologies provide real-time data about vehicle performance, including engine idling time, fuel consumption, and driving behaviour. Operators can use this information to identify patterns of excessive idling, set targets for drivers, and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency.

Telematics Benefits:
  • Real-time monitoring of vehicle idling times.
  • Automated alerts for drivers when they exceed set idling limits.
  • Data-driven analysis of fuel consumption and engine wear.
  • Behavioural reporting, allowing fleet managers to train drivers to reduce idling.

Action: Fleet operators can turn off when you stop by adopting telematics systems to monitor and manage idling across their fleet. Not only does this reduce fuel waste and vehicle wear, but it also helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air.

Incentives for Fleet Operators:

Local authorities may offer incentives for fleet operators who implement anti-idling technologies or who operate cleaner, more sustainable fleets. Some councils provide discounts or recognition for businesses that take steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality in local communities.

 

What Can You Do

  • Turn off when you stop - switch off your engine when waiting outside schools or when parked for more than a minute.
  • Support your local school’s clean air initiative by encouraging others to reduce idling.
  • Consider car sharing to reduce the number of vehicles idling in school zones and on your daily commute.
  • Get involved in community campaigns - ask your local school or council how you can support efforts to reduce idling and promote active travel options like Park and Stride.
  • Fleet operators should implement telematics systems to monitor and manage idling, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

Local authorities are increasingly focused on reducing idling as part of their clean air and climate action plans. Many councils have adopted policies to enforce anti-idling laws, and the Highway Code advises that drivers should turn off their engines when stationary for more than a minute. Together, we can protect our children, save money, improve air quality, and help the environment. Turn off when you stop today - every little bit counts, and every active journey makes a difference!