The government announces new plans to toughen up rules on vehicle that are excessively idling, fines for drivers who leave their engine running while parked will significantly increase under new proposals.

These regulations can contribute to the cleaner air, particularly around schools where young children are breathing in pollution. Vehicle idling is a major fact in poor air quality, especially in areas where there are usually cars with large numbers of waiting vehicles such as outside schools, taxi ranks and bus stations. The Royal College of Physicians estimate 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked in air pollution, with engine idling contributing to this.

Councils already have the power to fine drivers £20 for emission offences and stationary idling under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002.

Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said:

“We are determined to crack down on drivers who pollute our communities by leaving their engines running, particularly outside school gates where our children are breathing in this toxic air.

Putting a stop to idling is an easy way to drive down dangerously high levels of pollution, reducing its impact on the environment and our health.”

Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Every minute, an idling car produces enough exhaust emissions to fill 150 balloons with harmful chemicals, including cyanide, NOx and PM2.5. The microscopic pollutants can result in a range of health problems – from heart and lung disease to strokes and cancer and have been shown to be particularly damaging to children.

The consultation, expected to launch this summer, will also explore how to deal with repeat offenders who keep their engines running following several warnings. These proposals are the latest move in the government’s drive to improve air quality, which include grants to encourage the purchase of cleaner vehicles, the commitment to end the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040 as part of our Road to Zero strategy and the doubling of investment in cycling and walking since 2010.

The Road to Zero strategy sets out ambition for at least 50% — and as many as 70% — of new car sales to be ultra low emission by 2030, alongside up to 40% of new vans. Together, the measures will put the UK at the forefront of a global revolution in motoring and help to deliver cleaner air, a better environment and a strong clean economy.

How can ACSS help stop your vehicles idling excessively?

Telematics is crucial to know when your drivers are idling and with fuel being one of the highest costs for Fleet Managers, can you afford to miss out on having full control of your fleet?

With your vehicles managed in one system, providing you with real time data – our AdvancedFleet system enables you to manage your fleet, track excessive idling amongst other many benefits.

If you are interested in improving productivity and cutting fuel costs, let us talk you through a bespoke solution for you today.

Nick Blake, our Telematics Specialist can be contacted on the below:

Phone: 0208 391 8368

Mobile: 07495 906 983

E-mail:  nick.blake@acss-uk.co.uk