Engine Idling: Reducing Air Pollution and Saving Fleet Costs

Engine Idling: Reducing Air Pollution and Saving Fleet Costs

Engine idling, which occurs when a vehicle’s engine remains running while stationary, has significant financial and environmental repercussions. This article explores key information on engine idling, the legal framework addressing this issue, and strategies fleet managers can adopt to mitigate its effects.

A case study by Transport for London (TfL) highlights the financial impact of engine idling. A haulage company with a fleet of 40 trucks was found to waste approximately £913 in fuel per driver annually due to idling. While this may appear insignificant, when multiplied across a large fleet, it can result in considerable expenses. Environmentally, the cost is even greater. In the United States, vehicle idling is estimated to produce about 30 million tons of CO2 each year.

Understanding Engine Idling

Engine idling refers to the practice of keeping the engine running while the vehicle is not in motion. In this context, it does not include idling in heavy traffic or at traffic lights. Instead, it focuses on avoidable idling, such as when a delivery driver leaves the engine running during a stop or when a truck driver idles the engine while taking a break. This type of idling, which lasts for more than a few minutes while the vehicle is stationary, is unnecessary and preventable.

The Consequences of Engine Idling

Financial Impact

For fleet managers, engine idling represents a significant and unnecessary cost. On average, each minute of idling costs about £0.05. Consider a fleet of 200 vehicles, with each vehicle idling unnecessarily for 30 minutes a day. This would result in 6,000 minutes of idling time daily, costing around £300. Over a year, this could amount to nearly £110,000 in wasted fuel. This figure does not even account for the additional maintenance costs due to the wear and tear caused by idling.

Environmental Impact

Engine idling has severe environmental consequences. According to the Royal College of Physicians, air pollution is linked to around 40,000 avoidable deaths annually in the UK, with engine idling being a significant contributor. A small petrol car emits approximately 19g of CO2 per minute of idling, while a diesel heavy goods vehicle (HGV) emits nearly 69g of CO2 per minute. Additionally, idling engines release harmful toxins, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrocarbons, which are associated with respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma.

Legal Framework on Engine Idling in the UK

UK law is clear regarding engine idling. The Highway Code, specifically Rule 123, prohibits unnecessary engine running when a vehicle is stationary or parked on a public road. Further legal backing is provided by Regulation 98 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which makes unnecessary idling a punishable offense. Drivers who refuse to switch off their engines when requested can face a fixed penalty, with local authorities empowered to issue fines of up to £20 under Regulation 12 of The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002. Research by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) indicates that 26% of such penalties are issued outside schools, leading to initiatives encouraging schools to promote clean air zones.

Strategies for Fleet Managers to Reduce Engine Idling

Fleet managers can implement several strategies to minimize engine idling, thus reducing costs and enhancing environmental performance.

1. Educate and Incentivize Awareness plays a critical role in addressing engine idling. Drivers may be unaware of the financial and environmental impacts of idling. Educating them through meetings, newsletters, or discussions can make a significant difference. If telematics systems are in place, these can be used to monitor idling times, and drivers who minimize idling can be rewarded to encourage better habits.
2. Invest in Technology There are various technologies designed to reduce engine idling, known as Idling Reduction Technology (IRT). These devices, which can be installed in vehicles, help to reduce idling by powering systems that typically require a running engine. For example, an engine pre-heater can ensure the engine is ready for operation without the need for idling.
3. Utilize Fleet Management and GPS Tracking Software Gathering data is essential for understanding and reducing engine idling. GPS tracking, combined with onboard telematics and specialized software, allows fleet managers to analyze idling times and fuel consumption. This data can be used to develop training programs and incentive schemes. For example, a ‘league table’ could be created to rank drivers based on their idling times, with rewards for those who show the most improvement. Implementing an effective fleet management system can lead to significant cost savings.

Conclusion

Unnecessary engine idling results in two major issues: increased fuel costs and environmental harm due to the emission of excessive carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Fleet managers can address these challenges by implementing technology and software that track and reduce engine idling.

To learn more about tracking software that can help reduce engine idling, contact one of our expert advisors today.