When a vehicle is left running while stationary - outside a school or waiting in the road or a car park - it's known as engine idling. It might seem harmless, but those few minutes add up.

Idling contributes directly to air pollution, especially in areas where people walk, wait and breathe. In Charlton Kings, we're encouraging drivers to switch off their engines when parked or waiting - as a simple but powerful way to reduce pollution and protect our health.

Visit the Clean Air Action page to find out a bit more about the action we are taking to tackle air pollution in Charlton Kings.

Visit the Purple Air Monitor map to see air pollution levels right now.

Even short periods of idling release harmful pollutants, including:

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – known to irritate lungs, worsen asthma, and increase the risk of heart and lung disease
• Particulate matter (PM2.5) – tiny particles that can enter deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – contributing to climate change

These pollutants don't stay inside the car - they spread through our streets and into the air we all breathe.

Air pollution affects everyone, but some groups are more vulnerable:
🧒 Children – they breathe faster and closer to street level
👵 Older adults – often with underlying health conditions
🫁 People with asthma or lung disease – exposure can trigger or worsen symptoms

But even healthy adults are affected. Exposure over time increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, reduced lung function, and and has been linked to cancer, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and changes linked to dementia.

Simply put: idling adds unnecessary pollution into the air we all share.

Read more about the health impacts of air pollution in this report from the Royal College of Physicians.

By turning off your engine when you're not moving, we:

✅ Reduce pollution in Charlton Kings
✅ Protect our families' health
✅ Save fuel and money
✅ Contribute to a quieter, calmer environment

It's a small action with a big impact.

We're working with local volunteers, businesses and residents to spread awareness about the benefits of reducing engine idling. The campaign includes:

• Posters and banners in key locations
• Leaflets and flyers to raise awareness
• Outreach to local businesses and community groups
• Collaboration with local schools and the wider clean air strategy from Gloucestershire County Council

There are lots of ways to get involved with the campaign. Download and print some of our campaign materials to put up in your window or business, follow us on Facebook and share the campaign posts, or join the Action Group by emailing info@cleanaircheltenham.org

Campaign Resources to Download and Print

• RAC Idling Information
• Idling Action London – Resources & Campaign Toolkit
  A great hub of supportive materials, research and messaging for local campaigns.
• Gloucestershire County Council
  Information, FAQs and myth busting.
• UK Government – DEFRA Air Quality
  The official UK government site for air quality data and policies.
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Air Pollution & Health
  Clear summaries of health impacts and global guidelines.
• British Lung Foundation / Asthma + Lung UK
  Excellent resources on how air pollution affects respiratory health.
• Clean Air Day
• Clean Air Cheltenham Resources

Q1. What is engine idling?

A: Idling is when a vehicle's engine is left running while the car is stationary - for example, while parked, waiting in traffic, outside a school, or at a junction. It's often done out of habit, but in most cases, it's unnecessary and pollutes the air we all share.

Q2. Why is idling bad for air quality?

A: Idling engines release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and tiny particles (PM2.5), which are harmful to lungs, heart health, and overall wellbeing. These pollutants are especially concentrated at street level, where children and pedestrians are most exposed.

Q3. Isn't it better to keep the engine running than to switch it on and off?

A: Modern engines are designed to handle frequent restarting. Turning off your engine saves fuel and reduces emissions. Leaving it running for several minutes is far more polluting and wasteful.

Q4. Won't switching off the engine damage my car?

A: No. For most modern petrol and diesel vehicles, switching the engine off and on again causes no extra wear and tear. In fact, many newer cars have automatic stop-start systems built in for this reason.

Q5. Isn't air pollution mainly a problem in cities?

A: Air pollution is a problem in towns and villages too. In Charlton Kings, we've recorded high pollution levels at certain times - particularly when the weather is still and cold. Reducing local sources like idling helps everyone breathe cleaner air.

Q6. What about in winter - isn't idling needed to warm the engine?

A: It's not necessary. Modern engines warm up more effectively when you're driving - not when they're idling. In most cases, it's better for your engine and for the planet to switch off and go.

Q7. Can idling be enforced legally?

A: Local authorities do have powers to issue fines for unnecessary idling, especially outside schools. But our campaign is not about enforcement - it's about positive change through awareness, respect and community support.

Artwork used with the kind permission of Idling Action London and The Mayor of London