Fuel saving systems like auto start/stop are becoming increasingly common in all kinds of new models, from minis to supercars. The thing is that these technologies have only recently been widely adopted by car companies. Thus, most vehicles out there are still polluting even when they are standing still.
Transport for London, the local government body that oversees Greater London’s transport system, released a study showing that if all drivers in the center of the city turned off their engines for one minute when stationary instead of letting them idle, CO2 emissions would be reduced by 100 million kg (220 million pounds) each year.
London held the number one spot as the most congested European city in 2011. As a result, the Energy Saving Trust is urging motorists to kill their engines when they’re not moving – for example, in a traffic jam or when parking for a short period to reduce the capital’s pollution.
London Mayor Boris Johnson has also initiated an “anti-idling” campaign to ensure that the city meets the PM10 particulate pollution limits.
It all seems quite reasonable, doesn’t it? By killing the engine, you stop polluting and save some quid. That’s killing two birds with one stone, then.
The catch is that “Red” Boris has allowed certain city boroughs to impose a fine of up to £80 (US$125, €101) on drivers who let their vehicles idle for a long time.
Now, that “long time” term leaves a large margin of interpretation, doesn’t it? Could this be politicians finding a new way to raise money by using the anti-polluting argument one more time?
Looks like London drivers are, once again, in quite a pickle.
Story References: Telegraph
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