A PRIMARY school campaign will urge drivers across Warwickshire to switch off their engines.
Warwickshire Road Safety Education Team is launching the Cars Idling Campaign to encourage people to switch off their engine when stationary.
The campaign primarily focuses on drivers who wait with their engines running outside schools.
Idling increases the amount of exhaust fumes polluting the environment and subsequently contributes to climate change and to health conditions such as respiratory illnesses and lung and heart disease.
By stopping engine idling, drivers will reduce fuel costs and save money, improve air quality while reducing risks to health.
Throughout March, 26 primary schools across Warwickshire will be launching this campaign. Each school will receive a banner for its railings and a digital animation offering advice and guidance for parents and carers.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) spokesman Councillor Wallace Redford said: “This campaign shines a light on the harm that idling cars cause, not only to our environment by contributing to climate change, but also to our health and the health of the younger generation.
“If those aren’t incentive enough, the financial toll and potential harm to our vehicles should give us extra pause for thought, the next time that we find ourselves at a standstill whilst at the wheel.”
WCC environment spokeswoman Councillor Heather Timms added: “It may seem like a small step to take, but if we all switch off our engines when our cars are stationary, we can significantly reduce harmful carbon emissions and at the same time make the air safer for us all to breathe.”
Follow the campaign on social media on Facebook @WCCSafeActiveTravel and Twitter @WCCSafe_Active.
Warwickshire County Councils Cars Idling campaign forms part of the wider Safe and Active Schools programme to help schools and parents find safe and sustainable ways to travel to school with their children, including walking, cycling, and scooting.
