Raising awareness of carbon emissions impact

We’ve teamed up with the south west community (which includes all who work with us on to keep our roads safe) to promote this event and try to reduce emissions in our depots and while at work.

Did you know, leaving your engine idling for more than 60 seconds is not only bad for the environment and your health, it can also damage your engine.

Find out more and see how you could reduce your carbon footprint. 

Idling vehicles needlessly contribute to air pollution which in turn contributes to conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cancer and dementia. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Here are some common myths about engine idling:

Myth: If I cut my engine and restart it, the ignition produces more pollution.

Truth: This is not true for modern engines, especially if your engine is still warm. Idling for 30 seconds makes twice as much pollution than switching off and then restarting your engine.

Myth: If I’m parked on a yellow line, keeping my engine running means I won’t get a fine.

Truth: Traffic wardens can fine you if you are parked somewhere you shouldn’t be, whether your engine is running or not. You can also be fined for idling.

Myth: It’s cold outside. I need to keep the engine running to keep the heater on.

Truth: If you switch the engine off when you park and keep the ignition on, the heater should stay warm for up to 30 minutes. And you won’t be breathing in harmful fumes.

Myth: It’s better to idle because stopping and starting will wear out the engine.

Truth: This is no longer the case with modern engines. In fact, incomplete combustion due to engine idling dirties your engine and increases wear and tear. Looking after your engine is important - you can do this by only keeping it on when you need to.