Have your say on idling engines and let’s show the air we care

24 July 2024

Cheshire East Council wants to hear your views on vehicle engine idling.

As part of the council’s commitment to improve air quality and to contribute to its ambitious target of achieving wider borough carbon neutrality by 2045, Cheshire East wants to continue to raise awareness of vehicle engine idling by engaging with the local community.

Idling is the term used to describe when motorists continue to run an engine when a vehicle is not moving. Typically, this happens when drivers stop at a red light, level crossing or simply park outside a residence or business.

A new online survey aims to review people’s general understanding of vehicle idling, as well as highlighting any idling issues in the borough.

When the council first consulted residents on this subject two years ago, 73 per cent of respondents stated that they ‘always’ or ‘usually’ switch off their engine when parked up or pulled over for a minute or more. 

Respondents also put forward that they would like to see more signage – especially in the vicinity of schools and for the council to run a campaign. Having laid down the foundations with a highly successful level of engagement in 2022, the council now would like to review where the public stands today on this important subject.

Through the campaign ‘show the air you care’ and taking the results of the previous survey, a new vehicle idling webpage has been produced, myth-busting some common themes around vehicle idling. The council has also delivered no idling signs around the borough as well as produced a specific awareness leaflet and a no idling toolkit that can be used in schools.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “We already know that Cheshire East residents are very well informed on this subject and this survey will continue to help us to target effective ways to change behaviour where it is needed and improve air quality in the borough.

“We are fortunate to have very clean air in the borough but there are always further actions that can be taken. Turning off idling engines is of course one, as is walking and cycling and using public transport.”

Councillor Mary Brooks, Cheshire East Council’s environment and climate change champion, said: “It is the council’s ambition to help improve the quality of life for everyone, by reducing car dependency and promoting healthy lifestyles. By realising this ambition, we will also be making important strides towards our target of achieving wider borough carbon neutrality by 2045.

“Air quality is important for the health of us all, no matter our age, so I would urge everyone to complete the online survey.” 

The deadline to complete the survey is Sunday 18 August. A printed copy of the survey is also available on request, by emailing: airquality@cheshireeast.gov.uk

The council has a dedicated web page focused on vehicle idling and we encourage residents to review this information as well.