Engine idling campaign aims to cut emissions

Admin

December 24, 2025
3 min read

Engine idling campaign aims to cut emissions

Engine idling is damaging to the health of the driver and those around. The ‘Engine Off, Every Stop’ campaign aims to encourage drivers to avoid it whenever possible to cut down on air pollution. Richmond council has joined in the campaign, encouraging those who park to switch off their engine.

When a vehicle is parked with its engine idling, it emits pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) linked to asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. Anyone who is pregnant or suffers from respiratory conditions, as well as children and the elderly, are especially vulnerable.

Kittens Thrown from Twickenham Bridge Saved in Thames Rescue

Animal welfare officers and emergency responders launched a dramatic rescue after kittens were discovered thrown into the River Thames.

Discover London’s Square Mile with Guided City Walk and Talk

A unique walking tour explores the history, hidden stories, and landmarks of the City of London’s iconic Square Mile.

Unwanted Toys Can Be Repaired and Donated This Christmas

Families are encouraged to repair and donate unwanted toys, helping reduce waste and bring joy to children in need this festive season.

“Together we can reduce pollution, to protect our and our community’s health,” says Richmond council. You can also show your support by completing its online pledge not to idle. Richmond has extended the Public Space Protection Order to curb engine idling, after “strong resident support.” It has also installed anti-idling signage at “key sites” including schools and level crossings to “reinforce the message of turning engines off when stationary to help reduce harmful emissions.”

It is also hosting monthly Idling Action events, supported by volunteers and councillors. School Streets, meanwhile, restrict vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times.

For more information about idling, what it is doing about it and how you can help click the lin on the council website.

The council is joining the London ‘Engine Off, Every Stop’ campaign, in partnership with the Mayor of London and 20 London councils, to tackle air pollution produced by engine idling. Drivers across London are encouraged to switch off when pulled over, by educating them about the health impacts of air pollution and explaining why it is good to switch your engine off, are simple ways to instantly reduce vehicle emissions in London.

Click the link to learn about the London-wide campaign and follow EyeOnLondon Richmond upon Thames for more local updates.