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Don't be an idler!
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Switch off your engine and help 'do your bit' towards a greener Renfrewshire.
Running your engine unnecessarily while your vehicle is stationary pollutes the environment. And it's against the law.
Running your engine unnecessarily while your vehicle is stationary pollutes the environment. And it's against the law.
What are the problems?
An idling engine can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion. Exhaust emissions contain a range of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. These can affect the air quality of the surrounding environment.
Why is idling illegal?
Vehicle idling is an offence against Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Regulations 2003.
The law states that it is an offence to idle your engine unnecessarily. It is a continuing offence, which means that if you fail to turn your engine off after being spoken to you may be issued with a £20 fixed penalty notice.
Who does the legislation affect?
The legislation covers all vehicles on public roads including buses, taxis and private cars. It does not apply to vehicles moving slowly due to road works or congestion; vehicles stopped at traffic lights; vehicles under test or repair or defrosting a windscreen.
What is Renfrewshire Council doing?
Routine patrols are being carried out by the Renfrewshire Wardens who will issue a warning to any driver found to idle their vehicle unnecessarily. The wardens will distribute information and educate drivers about the effects of vehicle idling on the environment.
What should I do?
As a rough guide, if you are going to be parked for more than 30 seconds, turn off your engine and restart when you are ready to move on. Idling your engine uses more fuel than it takes to restart your engine.
Did you know?
- An idling engine produces twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion.
- Exhaust emissions contain a range of toxic substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons and particulates.
- 62% of people with asthma tell us that traffic fumes make their asthma worse.
- Every 10 minutes of vehicle idling costs at least one-tenth of a litre in wasted fuel.
- improves air quality
- reduces your fuel costs, and
- complies with the law.
