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Anti idling

Idling means leaving a vehicle's engine running when it is stationary.

An idling engine can produce up to twice the emissions of a car in motion. It's not just wasting fuel, it's damaging the environment, increasing wear on your engine and you may be breaking the law and risk being fined. 

The main pollutants from vehicle exhausts are nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Air pollution can:
  • Irritate lungs
  • Worsen asthma, heart and lung disease
  • Reduce cognitive function in children
  • Lower resistance to infection

Children have developing lungs and faster breathing rates. They are also shorter in height and therefore closer to tailpipes meaning higher exposure to exhaust fumes. 

Schools

In Gloucestershire, children are more likely to live in areas where air pollution is high and idling at school gates is a known problem. Remember to switch off your engine when stationary, or even better, try walking, wheeling or cycling where you can. Emissions tend to be higher inside the car than on the street. 

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Some FAQs: 

Is engine idling bad for your car? 
Yes, when you idle your engine doesn’t operate as efficiently as it should. Fuel does not combust properly and can leave a residue that can harm your exhaust over time.  

Doesn’t stopping and starting an engine wear it out? 
This is no longer an issue with modern engines, and by not idling, you will use less fuel and reduce your fuel costs. If you have a newer car, it may have stop-start technology. This technology saves drivers fuel and reduces emissions.  

Doesn’t the engine need to stay on to keep the battery fully charged? 
Modern batteries don’t need the engine on constantly to stay charged and need less engine running time to work. 

Is idling illegal in the UK? 
Yes, vehicle idling is an offence against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002. 

If I’m parked on a yellow line, keeping my engine on means I won’t get a fine? 
Vehicle idling is against traffic regulations. You could get a fine for idling, and a parking ticket. 

I need to run the engine to keep the heater on? 
Your car heater should stay warm with just the ignition on for up to 30 minutes after you have parked.