Published: Friday, 27th October 2017

Join us to help cut pollution by not leaving your engine running when parked.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich will be taking part in a London-wide awareness raising campaign. The campaign involves local volunteers and Council staff talking to drivers about idling engines and its impact on local air quality.

'Vehicle idling action' is a London-wide behaviour change campaign that aims to reduce air pollution caused by motorists who leave their engines running when parked.

Become a vehicle idling action champion

Volunteers are wanted to go out with Council and Transport for London staff to engage with motorists in Woolwich Town Centre about the benefits of turning their engines off. If you want to be a Vehicle Idling Action Champion, email greener@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

You can also find out more and how to get involved at our information event:

  • Date: Thursday 2 November
  • Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
  • Place: The Woolwich Centre, Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ

Idling action events will also be taking place in 15 other local authority areas with teams of volunteers, local authority and project staff working to educate both motorists and pedestrians. The approach is to invite drivers to join the campaign and switch off their engines when parked.

Reducing pollution is a key Council priority

Working on reducing emissions is a key priority for the Council and addressing current high levels of nitrogen dioxide air pollution, particularly along major roads. The Council's Greener Greenwich Strategy, launched in 2016, outlines the actions the Council intends taking to tackle climate change and air pollution across the borough, which includes a number of innovative local projects such as the introduction of a Low Emission Neighbourhood in west Greenwich last year.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability, said: "Our Greener Greenwich strategy outlines how the Council plans to tackle climate change and air pollution for the benefit of residents and local communities and this campaign is helping to do exactly that."

Big benefits from 'a small change in habit'

Councillor Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Transport, Economy and Smart Cities added:  "It's great to see so many councils taking part in such a great campaign. This gives commuters in Greenwich an insight into the harm caused by idling, and the benefits a small change in habit can bring to the individual and Greenwich as a whole."

Find out more about the campaign (Iding Action website)