South Oxfordshire District Council's campaign,
supported by Public Health England, aims to help improve local air quality
across South Oxfordshire by asking drivers to turn off their engines when they
are not driving. Keeping the engine running - known as idling - while
parked at the roadside, sitting in traffic, or waiting to collect someone,
contributes to an increase in levels of air pollutants.
These air pollutants are linked to a higher chance of developing lung cancer,
heart disease, asthma, coughs and bronchitis, particularly in vulnerable people
such as older people and children.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to think about idling and if
they are stopped for more than a minute or parked then they should turn their
engines off.
According to information from DEFRA, if a vehicle engine is turned off and
restarted after a minute or more this will result in less pollution than if the
vehicle was idling for that time.
Keeping the engine running when the vehicle is not moving wastes fuel. So,
turning off makes sense from both a health viewpoint and a financial one.
This is a very simple small step that everyone can take and can make a difference.For more information or to get a rear car window sticker or poster http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment-and-neighbourhood-issues/air-quality/turn-it-campaign
