Community & Enterprise Resources
Executive Director Michael McGlynn
Fleet and Environmental Services
Parent Council
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BB/SM/3661
Bronah Byrne
01698 455373
16 November 2015
Dear Chair
Improving Air Quality - Engine Idling Campaign
I am writing to ask for your support with a campaign we are running which will target unnecessary
engine idling around school, leisure and cultural venues. We are now reaching that time of year
when there is greater temptation to keep the engine running due to colder temperatures. Such
activities can however negatively impact air – the air our children have to breathe in.
Children are more vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe 50% more air per pound of
body weight than adults. Engine idling occurs outside schools, leisure and cultural centres when
children are dropped off and picked up and this coincides with the time children are often
concentrated in these areas.
To target these ‘hot spots’ of pollution, officers from South Lanarkshire Council will be undertaking
patrols during the winter months. Vehicle idling unnecessarily is an offence. Our officers will warn
any driver found to idle their vehicle unnecessarily and if the driver fails to turn the engine off they
may be issued with a £20 fixed penalty notice. The officers will also distribute information and
educate drivers about the harmful effects of engine idling.
To support our campaign we would very much appreciate your help. Please include the topic at
your next meeting as well as including information through any social media, websites or other
forms of communications with parents and guardians to highlight this campaign. I am writing
separately to the Head Teacher and Pupil Councils to also ask for their support.
Cont:/...
Council Offices, Montrose House, 154 Montrose Crescent, Hamilton, ML3 6LB Phone: 0303 123 1015
Minicom: 01698 454039 Email: Bronah.byrne@southlanarkshire.gcsx.gov.uk
Page 2
Engine Idling Campaign
9 November 2015
Many people idle their vehicles because they think it is better for their cars or uses less fuel. This is
not the case. Here are a few simple facts to help drivers make an informed choice:

Restarting your engine does not use more fuel than idling
According to the Consumer Energy Centre idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel
than restarting your car.

Idling your car is not the best way to warm your car in cold weather
The best way to warm up a car is to drive it.

Frequent restarting is not hard on the engine and battery
Frequent restarting has little impact on engine parts like the battery and starter motor.

Excessive idling is hard on engines
Excessive idling can damage cylinders, spark plugs and exhaust systems.
Here are a few further facts about the health and environmental effects

An idling vehicle emits 20 times more pollution than one travelling at 30mph.
By turning off your engine you can reduce pollution

Emissions from vehicles contribute to global warming
Vehicle emissions contain carbon which mixes with air to form carbon dioxide, a major
contributor to human-caused global warming.

Idling wastes fuel and money
Every 10 minutes of engine idling wastes at least one-tenth of a litre of fuel.

Air pollutants from an idling engine are respiratory irritants
These pollutants can increase asthma symptoms.

Children breathe 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults
This makes children more vulnerable to the effects of pollution

Children’s lungs have a lot of growing to do to reach adulthood
From birth to adulthood if we grew arms at the same rate as lungs we would all have three
arms by the time we reach adulthood! We need to protect those lungs as best we can
during this development period.
What can you do to help?

Walk, cycle or use public transport to travel to school/leisure/cultural venues
Leave the car behind and use more active ways to travel. Children and adults all benefit
from being more physically active – use the commute to improve your health and reduce
pollution.

Park further away
Consider driving only part of the way and walking the rest. This reduces the amount of
pollution particularly at drop off and pick up points.
Page 3
Engine Idling Campaign
9 November 2015

Turn off your engine
As a rough guide, if you are going to be parked for more than 30 seconds turn off your
engine.
I hope this information is of use and I would very much appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me on 01698 455373 or via
Bronah.Byrne@southlanarkshire.gcsx.gov.uk
Yours faithfully
Bronah Byrne
Environmental Health Officer (Team Leader)