WIREDGOV

Transport for London (TfL) is urging drivers to switch off their engines when parked, waiting or loading to reduce air pollution in the Capital.

The second phase of a radio and poster campaign has been launched to remind drivers that cutting their engines when stationary for more than one minute will reduce the amount of harmful pollutants emitted, and save fuel.

To support the campaign, a number of 'clean air champions' will be on hand at pollution hotspots to provide information on how to reduce emissions.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: 'I am introducing a range of robust measures to tackle pollution.

'Drivers can play their part too by taking time to switch off when stationary.

'This can save money off costly fuel bills as well as make our city a cleaner place to live and work.'

The campaign, funded by the Department for Transport's Clean Air Fund, also works directly with bus, freight, coach, taxi and minicab operators to raise awareness among professional drivers.

Engine idling quick facts

• Research by TfL has shown that if all drivers in central London switched off their engines for one minute each day, instead of leaving them idling, it could reduce harmful emissions by around 90kg per year. This is the equivalent of driving a medium-sized diesel car round the world 62 times - a distance of 2.5million kilometres
• Modern ignition systems have eradicated the problem of wear from switching the engine on and off
• Turning off an engine and restarting it after a minute or longer causes less pollution and uses less fuel than keeping it idling
• Dirty engines increase pollution and increase fuel consumption. Service your vehicle regularly to keep it in good condition

For tips on how to reduce vehicle idling, visit tfl.gov.uk/noengineidling.