As part of the Sustainable Elmbridge programme, Elmbridge Borough Council is launching #IdleFreeElmbridge, a campaign to raise awareness surrounding idling and the potential risks it poses to Elmbridge’s air quality.
Over the next few weeks, we will be encouraging local businesses, communities, schools and residents to support the campaign and the pledge to keep Elmbridge idle-free.
What is idling?
Idling is where drivers leave their vehicle’s engine running while it is stationary. While this can often be the result of traffic, there are cases where you can turn your engine off, such as waiting at level crossings or waiting outside schools or businesses. Car idling produces up to 150 balloons of exhaust emissions per minute, containing harmful chemicals. What’s more, idling presents risks to drivers, as too much idling can damage your vehicle and idling for an hour can waste half a gallon or more of fuel. Drivers who are caught idling can be asked to turn off their engines. Failing to do so can lead to a fine.
What can residents, local businesses and local communities do?
You can make a real difference by pledging to keep Elmbridge idle-free. By turning off your car, you can improve the air quality inside and outside your car, reduce health risks for yourself and others and make Elmbridge’s streets and level crossings nicer places to walk and cycle.
How can residents, local businesses and local communities get involved in the campaign?
You will be able to engage with every step of the campaign. Elvis the Elmbridge Eagle will be appearing at local train stations to pose for photo opportunities and to raise awareness of the importance of keeping Elmbridge idle-free, and local businesses will be encouraged to post images of support with the official #IdleFreeElmbridge hashtag and poster on social media. You can also spot the official posters around the borough outside schools and car parks and follow our official social media channels to keep up to date with the campaign.
Councillor Karen Randolph, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environmental Health comments: “Improving air quality is a critical theme of our Sustainable Elmbridge initiative. Our Air Quality Action Plan (PDF, 3.07 MB) details how we aim to improve local air quality through close monitoring and raising awareness, and also has a key focus on reducing emissions on public transport and building and new development throughout the borough.
“We’re really looking forward to the start of the campaign. It will be great to see residents of all age groups engage with this important issue and the positive impact this will have on improving air quality across Elmbridge.”
Further information on Sustainable Elmbridge and cleaner air in Elmbridge.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook for updates on the campaign.