Fleets targeted in new anti-idling campaign

Fleets are being encouraged to prevent drivers from leaving their company vehicle engines idling as part of a new campaign.

Idling Action's ‘Engines Off’ campaign, led by Camden Council and the City of London Corporation, highlights how leaving an engine running not only harms the environment but also leads to substantial wasted fuel costs.

The campaign focuses on companies whose drivers operate in and around London but the problem is widespread. Similar campaigns have been running since 2016.

Idling Action works with organisations through this campaign to pledge a meaningful commitment to reduce air pollution from engine idling, to use free educational resources to engage drivers/ employees, to publicise their commitment and to demonstrate best practice to others. 

It has partnered with British Safety Council to highlight the importance of switching Engines Off to protect outdoor workers.

Mike Robinson, chief executive at the British Safety Council, said: “We need concrete action to reduce air pollution and tackling engine idling is a vital part of that. We urge organisations whose operations involve fleets, professional drivers, or employees who travel by car to work in London, to educate and encourage their drivers to act on idling. This will help save lives and protect outdoor workers from toxic air.”

A TRL study found that it can cost up to 3p for every minute spent idling. If that vehicle idled for 10 minutes per day, within six months that would equate to a cost of over £58. It also found that idling for just 30 seconds produces twice as much pollution and wastes more fuel than switching off and restarting your engine.

One of the first businesses to take the Engines Off pledge was Marston Holdings, the UK’s largest provider of integrated transportation and enforcement services.

Director of environment Nick Ruxton-Boyle said: “As part of our pledge, we have implemented an engine idling policy and educated colleagues on the importance of avoiding idling while commuting or operating vehicles on the company’s behalf.

“We are also supplying an increasing number of local authorities with both fully electric and low emission vehicles enabling them to demonstrate that they are serious about tackling air pollution and climate change.”

Idling Action, a London-wide behaviour change campaign funded through the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, provides free resources and support to businesses across the UK. 

Visit Idling Action online or email them for support. A free webinar will be held on September 1 at 4pm for businesses keen to learn more about the campaign.