Drivers across the Bath and North East Somerset area are being encouraged to turn off their engines when parked or waiting as part of a new anti-idling campaign to reduce air pollution.

Image © B&NES Council
Running a vehicle’s engine while waiting contributes to nitrogen dioxide pollution and poor air quality.
This type of air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and worsen lung and heart conditions, with an estimated 36,000 deaths per year being linked to air pollution.
The Kick the Habit campaign raises awareness of the dangers of excessive idling and aims to reduce pollution in areas where the most vulnerable residents are at risk, such as schools, nurseries and healthcare settings.
Businesses, organisations and residents are being encouraged to make a pledge to ‘Kick the Habit’ by turning off their engines when parked and waiting.
Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We know from public feedback that anti-idling of vehicle engines is an issue which causes concern and through the resources of the Kick the Habit Campaign we want to work with local communities and organisations to raise awareness and encourage drivers to turn off their engines when parked and waiting.
“Please get in touch with us on the [email protected] address and sign up for some free marketing material to spread the message.”
Any school, local business, organisation, community or individual interested in making a pledge, downloading campaign material or finding out more can visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/engineoff.