Unnecessary idling wastes millions of pounds of fuel and reduces air quality, London drivers are warned
Research shows that if London’s drivers turn off their engines rather than idling for one minute on every journey, the city could reduce CO2 emissions by more than 100 million kg a year and save over £60 million of fuel.
London’s drivers are being urged to help improve the city’s air quality and cut greenhouse gas emissions by switching off their car or van engines when stationary.
The Energy Saving Trust is asking motorists in the capital to heed their call for action, and reduce levels of harmful pollutants entering the atmosphere.
Information from TfL (Transport for London) shows that if all central London’s drivers turned off their engines instead of idling for one minute on every journey they make, the city could reduce emissions of harmful particulates which reduce air quality by 90kg a year.
In its call to action the Energy Saving Trust today assures motorists that turning an engine on and off causes less pollution and uses less fuel than keeping it running for one minute.
Tim Anderson, senior knowledge manager at the Energy Saving Trust said: “Turning off engines when it is anticipated that you will be stationary for more than a minute creates a number of benefits by reducing pollution and, by using less fuel, it also saves money.
“This small, individual step can collectively make a significant difference and help improve life for everyone in London.
“Many modern vehicles are fitted with start/stop systems which automatically switch off the engine to prevent idling. Research shows that turning off an engine and restarting it after a minute uses less fuel and causes less pollution than leaving it running.”
A driver who covers 12,000 miles a year could save £250 on fuel by implementing the techniques.
Tel 0845 602 1425
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving
The Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving campaign focuses on key pieces of advice for motorists:
• Change up gears early to reduce engine friction and increase efficiency.
• Anticipate the road ahead as far as possible in order to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
• Decelerate early when slowing down. Step off the accelerator as soon as possible but remain in gear: a modern vehicle can detect that it’s moving under its own momentum and switches off the fuel supply to the engine.
• Do not exceed motorway speed limits as at higher speeds fuel consumption increases dramatically because of greater air resistance.
• Use air conditioning sparingly because it adds to fuel consumption by putting a mechanical and an electrical load on the engine.
• Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure because under inflated tyres are not only dangerous but also add to fuel consumption.
• Don’t waste fuel warming the engine as modern engines don’t need to be “warmed up,” so idling before starting a journey simply wastes fuel.
• Switch off as re-starting a modern engine does not require extra fuel, so turn your engine off if stationary for more than a minute.