When you idle your engine, your car 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.
Anti idling
Idling means leaving a vehicle's engine running when it is stationary.
Whilst sometimes unavoidable, there are various instances, such as being sat in gridlock traffic or waiting to pick someone up where idling is unnecessary and should be avoided.
Did you know, idling for just 30 seconds produces twice as much pollution and wastes more fuel than switching off and restarting your engine.
Idling doesn't just waste fuel, it damages the environment, increases wear on your engine and you may be breaking the law and risk being fined.
From a health perspective, air pollution can:
- Irritate lungs 🫁
- Worsen asthma, heart and lung disease 🫀
- Reduce cognitive function in children 🧠
- Lower resistance to infection 📉
Did you know, the number of asthma attacks being treated at GPs has increased over 45% in a year.
Schools
In Gloucestershire, children are more likely to live in areas where air pollution is high.
Idling at school gates is a known problem. Remember to switch off your engine when stationary, or even better, try walking, wheeling or cycling to school where possible. Emissions tend to be higher inside the car than on the street.
Case study
In 2025, Tewkesbury Borough Council delivered a school-based air quality project. The project aimed to raise awareness of the impact of vehicle idling and encourage sustainable travel among primary school communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you idle your engine, your car 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.
This is no longer an issue with modern engines. By not idling you will use less fuel, reducing your fuel costs.
If you have a newer car, it may have stop/start technology. This technology saves drivers fuel and reduces emissions.
This is no longer an issue with modern engines. By not idling you will use less fuel, reducing your fuel costs.
If you have a newer car, it may have stop/start technology. This technology saves drivers fuel and reduces emissions.
Vehicle idling is against traffic regulations. You could get a fine for idling and a parking ticket.
Vehicle idling is against traffic regulations. You could get a fine for idling and a parking ticket.
Yes, vehicle idling is an offence against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002.
Yes, vehicle idling is an offence against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002.
Your car heater should stay warm with just the ignition on for up to 30 minutes after you have parked.
Your car heater should stay warm with just the ignition on for up to 30 minutes after you have parked.