Car idling

Idling a car is running a vehicle's engine when it is not in motion. Leaving engines running while stationary is simply an unnecessary source of air pollution. Combating this is particularly important in locations where there are high numbers of idling vehicle engines, such as outside schools and hospitals and by bus stops.

For further information visit Vehicle Idling Action website.

Reasons to avoid idling

You should stop car idling because:

• Idling creates air pollution and is usually unnecessary. Car idling produces up to 150 balloons of exhaust emissions per minute which contain harmful chemicals like cyanide, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and tiny particles called PM2.5
• The air pollution created by engine emissions is known to contribute to many health issues, including asthma, lung disease, heart attacks, and cancer. The Royal College of Physicians say 40,000 premature deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution, with car idling being a contributing factor. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, as are people with existing conditions such as asthma and other lung complaints. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with lung inflammation and can trigger asthma symptoms from short-term exposure, while long-term exposure to higher concentrations of NO2 can impair lung development in children and can contribute to serious conditions such as asthma and heart and lung disease, as presented in reports from Public Heath England and the World Health Organization
• Idling is an offence in law under Regulation 98 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended, which makes it a requirement for drivers to switch off engines in stationary vehicles. Drivers who are seen idling by our civil enforcement officers will be asked to turn off their engines and warned that failing to do so will lead to a fine. If the driver refuses to switch off their engine after the request, they will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £20. The notice must be paid within 28 days, or it will increase to £40

Car idling myths

Find out the truth behind these common assumptions.

Myth 1: if it's cold outside, I need to keep my engine running to keep the heater on. 

Truth: if you switch the engine off but keep the ignition on, the heater should stay warm for up to 30 minutes.

Myth 2: if parked on a yellow line, keeping my engine running means I won't get a parking fine.

Truth: Traffic wardens can fine you for parking somewhere illegally, whether your engine is running or not.

Myth 3: it's better to idle because stopping and starting the engine will wear it out.

Truth: No, this is no longer true for modern engines.

Myth 4: idling doesn't contribute very much to air pollution in the grand scheme of things.

Truth: Research has shown that switching off engines when parked can reduce air pollution levels in the street where the vehicles are parked.