Vehicle idling means to leave your engine running whilst your car is not moving. Examples of this include waiting to pick up your child from school or sitting in gridlocked traffic. Idling allows your car to release fumes that lead to the deaths of around 4000 people in the UK each year.
Idling myths
Myth: When it’s cold I need to keep my engine running for warmth
Fact: Your car engine will stay warm for at least 30 minutes once turned off
Myth: Turning my engine on and off more often will cause wear/damage
Fact: Modern engines are designed to deal with regular restarting and will not wear due to it. In fact, idling can cause damage to your engine due to fuel build up and waste up to a gallon of fuel per hour.
Myth: Turning my engine on and off will create more pollution
Fact: Keeping your engine off even for one or two minutes can reduce pollution in the street you have pulled into.
What can you do to prevent idling?
You can do your part by switching off your engine as often as possible. You can also find out more about travelling sustainably on our transport and travel page.