On 28/12/2023 09:33 pm, Simon Mason wrote:
The Royal College of Physicians estimate 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution, with engine idling contributing to this.
The Government is working to address the issue as a whole, but what can you do to help the situation?
Cutting out engine idling will help for a start - not only will it improve air quality in congested areas but it is also a potentially fine-able offence.
We take a look at why idling is so bad for the environment and what is being done to discourage it.
Idling means leaving a vehicle's engine running while it is stationary.
While this is often because of everyday traffic, there are some instances – such as waiting for children outside schools and sitting in total gridlock – when idling is not necessary and should be avoided.
These fumes contain a number of harmful gasses including carbon dioxide, which is bad for the environment and contributes towards climate change, as well as a range of other harmful gasses including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
which are linked to asthma and other lung diseases.
Diesel vehicles are thought to be one of the biggest contributors to the problem.
Some local authorities charge a £20 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for emission offences and stationary idling under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002. There’s potential for the fine to increase to £801.
However, it’s important to note that fines are imposed only if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine when asked to do so by an authorised person. According to RAC research, 44% of drivers support the measure.
Local authorities have the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for engine idling if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine, regardless of the location.
The penalty is given as a result of rule 123 of The Highway Code, stating that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road.
RAC research found that 26% of those caught idling are spotted doing so outside schools. An RAC scheme inviting schools to buy School Clean Air Zone banners launched in 2019.
No Chav-cyclists or their chav-bikes mentioned.
How many times are you going to repeat your trolling?
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