William Eichler 16 June 2022

Nearly a quarter of drivers admit to idling engines

Nearly a quarter of drivers admit to idling engines image
Image: Jarhe Photography/Shutterstock.com.

Over 20% of drivers admit to regularly leaving their engines running while their vehicle is stationary despite the impact this has on air quality, new research has revealed.

Conducted by CWC Environmental for Idling Action London, the research found that 78% of respondents usually or always switch off the engine when parked or pulled over. However, this leaves 22% of drivers who admit to regularly idling their engines.

Published today to coincide with National Clean Air Day, the study also revealed that 5-10% of drivers surveyed have stop-start technology, but have decided to disable it, with the most common reasons being that they worry it might wear out the battery or that they find it annoying.

Jointly led by City of London Corporation and Camden Council, Idling Action London is a Mayor of London Air Quality Fund project that saw 30 local authorities and City of London Corporation working together to tackle engine idling as a source of avoidable air pollution.

Nicholas Lyes of the RAC said: ‘Idling your engine wastes fuel, money and means you are unnecessarily emitting air pollutants. If your car has stop-start technology we strongly recommend you use it to help cut down on harmful emissions.

‘Drivers shouldn’t worry about start-stop as modern car batteries are designed to be switched on and off regularly and generally only engage the technology once the engine has been running for a while anyway.

‘Those with older cars without the technology should consider also manually switching their engines off when stationary for extended periods to help protect the health of those around them.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner