Colchester drivers don't think engine switch off helps pollution

Out of 261 respondents, 61 per cent said they didn’t believe cutting their engine would make a difference to pollution in the town.

However, a quarter did say they already switched off when idling and another 14 per cent said they would try to cut their engine in future.

The poll was created in response to Colchester Council’s new CAReless Pollution campaign, which is hoping to drive down dangerous exhaust emissions in the town.

The council says exhaust fumes are the biggest contributor to air pollution and switching off your engine at traffic lights and the like could, in fact, cut pollution levels by as much as 30 per cent.

Research from the authority found 87 per cent of residents were concerned about air quality in the town, while 41 per cent agreed the area is highly polluted.

And residents are right to be concerned, with Friends of the Earth data revealing 12 areas in the town had an average level of nitrogen dioxide above safe levels in 2018, the latest year data is available.

An idling engine produces up to twice as much exhaust fumes as when a car is in motion, much of which pass into your own vehicle.

The council says drivers cutting their engines while stationary can, despite what many Gazette readers seem believe, make a huge difference.

Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for waste, environment and transportation, said: “The results of this poll are a positive step forward.

“I’d like to thank the Colchester residents who are switching off their engines and doing their bit to improve air quality in the town.

“We can all make a difference. Switching off your engine brings significant health benefits for people both inside and outside the car.

“I strongly encourage all drivers to turn off their engines when stationary, to prevent emissions and save on fuel too.”

Find out more about CAReless Pollution at colchester.gov.uk/cleanair.