Letting your car idle while stationary might not seem like a big deal, and in fact, some of us of a certain generation were taught that it was safer to let your car idle before you drove it. However, letting your car idle is actually detrimental to the modern automotive engine, wastes fuel, and causes damage to the environment. These days, modern engines do not, need more than a few seconds or idling time before they can be driven safely.

Cutting out engine idling will help for a start - not only will it improve air quality in congested areas but it could also help prevent you from being fined.

Read the guide below to understand more about engine idling, why it’s bad, and advice on how to stop engine idling.

What is engine idling?

Quite simply, idling is the act of leaving your vehicle’s engine running whilst it is still stationary. While this most often as a result of traffic jams, there are some occasions, such as when you’re waiting to pick someone up, or you’re waiting for the car to warm up on a cold winter’s day, when idling isn’t necessary and can be avoided.

While much older engines from years ago might have benefited from being warmed-up, modern engines do not need more than a few seconds or idling time before they can be driven safely.  Contrary to popular belief, turning your car off and on does not damage the engine, drain the battery or waste fuel.

Modern day batteries are now designed to require less power per engine start. They are designed to have improved power reserves and recharge quicker. Starters are also stronger and more reliable.  

So, all those car parts that you might have been worried about from wearing out from turning the engine off is no longer something to worry about.

Why is idling so bad?

Exhaust fumes emitted into the atmosphere from idling cars pose real health risks as exposure can cause lung and respiratory problems.  

An idling engine can produce up to twice the emissions of a car in motion, churning out sulphur dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide. In fact, The Royal College of Physicians estimates that up to 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution, with engine idling contributing to this.

Exhaust fumes also aggravates asthma and allergies.  In addition to these factors, not only do you waste fuel when you idle your engine, but you also hurt the environment.

For every 10 minutes of idling, 453 grams of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.

The 10-Seconds Rule

When it comes to vehicles, you can apply the 10-seconds rule.  Research shows that it is more fuel efficient to turn a car off and restart it (as opposed to keeping the engine turning over), providing the engine will be switched off for more than 10 seconds.

With the latest electronic ignition systems and improved car batteries, if you are going to be idling for more than 10 seconds, it is better for the car or van, the car’s engine, your wallet and the environment to simply turn off the car and restart it when you are ready to press the accelerator.

Not everyone has a Hybrid vehicle

Hybrid cars eliminate idling even when a car is stationary involuntarily (for example at a red light). The technology in hybrid cars is designed to help cancel idling and emissions. However, much of the population still driving traditional petrol and diesel cars, we have to be responsible for how we use them.  Choosing not to idle our vehicles can be one of the simplest changes that we can make to help the environment.

Can I get fined for idling?

The issue of engines not being turned off when a vehicles is parked is, unknown to many, already an offence and could risk being fined.

Vehicle idling is an offence against the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002. 

The law stipulates that is an offence to idle your engine unnecessarily when stationary. If you fail to turn your engine off after being spoken to you may be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £20.

The legislation covers all vehicles on public roads including buses, taxis and private cars.

It does NOT apply to vehicles moving slowly due to road works or congestion; vehicles stopped at traffic lights; vehicles under test or repair; or defrosting a windscreen.

Does the ban on idling extend to private land?

The rules over stationary idling applies only to public roads. It’s local councils as opposed to the police that issue penalty charge notices (PCNs). And you’d only get one of these if you refused to switch off your engine. London’s Islington Council implemented what's thought to be the first crackdown of its kind on vehicles churning out "unnecessary pollution" in 2014 and then again in 2016.

What are the benefits of vehicles fitted with stop-start systems?

• Improve the environment: Stop-start systems not only help your fuel economy, but they also significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that discharges into the air. In a recent study, the AA claimed that these systems can provide a 5-7% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
• Improved battery life: Stop-start systems will automatically restart the engine of your vehicle to ensure battery life is fully charged, even when stuck in stationary traffic.
• Quieter journeys: Stop-start systems can make your journey more relaxing as you don’t have to listen to the noise of an idling engine when stationary in stop-and-go traffic.

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