Less than 5% of drivers switch off the engine when in a rush hour standstill, but if more drivers did then damage to the planet would be vastly reduced, say Trimble.

It is urging businesses to do their bit for the environment with world leaders meeting in Copenhagen to discuss climate change.

“If a driver is parked at the side of the road to complete paperwork or make a call or even making a delivery which lasts more than 10 seconds the engine should be switched off,” says Andrew Yeoman, managing director of Trimble MRM.