Motorists are being encouraged to turn off their engines when stationary in a drive to reduce air pollution in East Dunbartonshire.
Throughout March, eye-catching posters reminding drivers that they can be fined if they leave their engines running whilst parked will be displayed on billboards and bus shelters across the area. Further reminders will also be shared across the Council’s social media channels to reinforce the message.
During the campaign the Council’s Environmental Health Officers and Police Scotland will be running spot checks at locations where people tend to sit in stationary vehicles without switching off their engines – such as outside shops and schools. If a driver idles their engine for more than a few minutes while parked on a public road they may be issued with a fixed penalty notice. A fixed penalty notice for engine idling is £20, rising to £40 if not paid within 28 days.
East Dunbartonshire has two Air Quality Management Areas – one in Bearsden and the other in Bishopbriggs and over recent years the Council has seen a reduction in pollution in both these areas.
Depute Chief Executive, Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, Thomas Glen finds this encouraging, he said, “People are becoming more and more concerned about environmental damage, both locally and globally, and most residents support us in our efforts to reduce pollution. However, there is room for improvement. Vehicle emissions are one of the most significant causes of air pollution so we have relaunched our Engine Idling campaign to remind motorists how they can help to improve air quality in their communities.”
Mr Glen continued, “Not only is air pollution harmful to the environment, it can be irritating to eyes, throats and lungs. People who suffer from asthma, heart or lung diseases can be very sensitive to it. Please do not sit parked in your vehicle with the engine idling, consider the welfare of those around you and help keep our air fresh and clean in East Dunbartonshire.”
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