Barking and Dagenham Council is encouraging drivers to help improve air quality in the borough by turning their engines off when stationary.
The east London council says idling, as it’s commonly known, massively affects air pollution and ultimately people’s health.
It is calling on drivers to turn their engines off whenever their vehicle is stationary – whether that is sitting outside of a shop, at a friend’s house or at traffic lights.
Cllr Margaret Mullane, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “The quality of air in Barking and Dagenham is not great and is having a significant impact on the health of residents, commuters and people who visit the borough.
“Leaving engines on while you’re sitting still in a car is just not necessary and is threatening the health of anyone nearby, so I am urging all drivers to turn their engines off when they’re not needed.”
Idling vehicles emit pollutants including nitrogen dioxide which is linked to asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis and cancer.
Earlier this year, the mayor of London funded a campaign called ‘Engine Off, Every Stop’ to highlight the issue.
Barking and Dagenham Council says over the next year, it will be taking part in a number of awareness days to encourage people to think about cleaner air, such as Clean Air Day and World Car Free Day.
09 April 2021