Anti idling
Idling means leaving a vehicle's engine running when it is stationary.
Whilst sometimes unavoidable, there are various instances, such as being sat in gridlock traffic or waiting to pick someone up where idling is unnecessary and should be avoided.
Idling for just 30 seconds produces twice as much pollution and wastes more fuel than switching off and restarting your engine. Idling produces various harmful emissions, including nitrogen dioxide which is a pollutant of concern in Gloucestershire and necessitates a dense monitoring network. In 2025, 44% of our 169 nitrogen dioxide monitors exceeded EU Air Quality Standards, with this rising to 91% of sites when considering the World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines.
- Irritate lungs
- Worsen asthma, heart and lung disease
- Reduce cognitive function in children
- Lower resistance to infection
Children have developing lungs and faster breathing rates. They are also shorter in height and therefore closer to tailpipes meaning higher exposure to exhaust fumes. In June 2025, the Royal College of General Practitioners revealed the number of asthma attacks being treated at GPs has increased over 45% in a year.
Schools
In Gloucestershire, children are more likely to live in areas where air pollution is high and idling at school gates is a known problem. Remember to switch off your engine when stationary, or even better, try walking, wheeling or cycling where you can. Emissions tend to be higher inside the car than on the street.
Some FAQs:
Is engine idling bad for your car?
Yes. When you idle your engine, it doesn’t operate as efficiently as it should. Fuel does not combust properly and can leave a residue that can harm your exhaust over time.
Doesn’t stopping and starting an engine wear it out?
This is no longer an issue with modern engines, and by not idling, you will use less fuel and reduce your fuel costs. If you have a newer car, it may have stop/start technology. This technology saves drivers fuel and reduces emissions. Start/stop technology may not work if the temperature is too cold or your battery has low charge.
Vehicle idling is against traffic regulations. You could get a fine for idling, and a parking ticket.
Is idling illegal in the UK?
Yes, vehicle idling is an offence against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002.
I need to run the engine to keep the heater on?
Your car heater should stay warm with just the ignition on for up to 30 minutes after you have parked.