We’ve joined forces with 20 other London boroughs to campaign for an end to vehicle engine idling, calling for Engines Off Every Stop in our borough for commercial buses, lorries and construction vehicles.
Idling Action London’s campaign, Engines Off Every Stop, encourages drivers to switch off their engines when their vehicle isn’t in use to improve local air quality and overall public health.
Each year in the UK, an estimated 40,000 deaths are attributable to outdoor air pollution through inhalation of either carbon dioxide (CO₂) or nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
According to a study by TRL, whose findings support and inform the campaign, drivers who switch their engines off while idle can cut the emissions they produce by nearly half.
We’re proud to be one of the boroughs trying to achieve these goals through this initiative, which is led by Camden and Hounslow councils and delivered with funding from the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said: “Backing this campaign is about looking after residents in our borough, right down to the air that they breathe. Idle engines produce harmful fumes which pollute that air and pose a significant threat to public health - that's why we're joining other London boroughs in raising awareness of this.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich: “By turning Engines Off Every Stop, drivers can easily cut their emissions, reduce pollution and improve air quality in Royal Greenwich. By getting behind this campaign, we’re getting things done to make our borough safer, cleaner and greener for everyone.”
We encourage fleet operators and businesses to act on engine idling, cutting dangerous emissions and protecting the respiratory health of Londoners.
The council will continue to work closely with the other boroughs participating in this campaign, meeting quarterly to discuss the progress we’re making and sharing best practice on safeguarding our communities.