Don't leave engines idling, Boris orders drivers

The Mayor said he wanted to cut harmful pollution and clean up London for the Olympics by encouraging motorists to think carefully about the harmful effects of exhaust fumes.

His move came after the City of London Corporation announced drivers now face fines of up to £40 if they keep their motors running while parked.

The Mayor's "no idling" campaign urges drivers to switch off engines when they are parked or when picking up and dropping off passengers. City Hall research revealed that poor air quality contributes to about 4,300 premature deaths in London every year.

Mr Johnson said as he announced the measures: "Turning off engines when stationary for more than a minute creates a host of positive benefits, by reducing pollution and using less petrol to save people money.

"This small individual step can collectively make a massive difference and help improve our city." Green Party Assembly member Darren Johnson said Mr Johnson had failed to follow up a vow to create a £1 million fund encouraging taxi owners to upgrade to low-emission vehicles such as electric cabs.

He said: "Boris Johnson is all spin and hype when it comes to electric vehicles and doing something to protect Londoners' health from the city's appalling air pollution.

"A publicity campaign to encourage black cab drivers to switch off engines to reduce pollution is clearly far less effective than ensuring those engines don't pollute even when they're on."

The Mayor's environment director Kulveer Ranger said: "Mr Johnson has clearly demonstrated his commitment to delivering cleaner air in London by undertaking numerous actions.

"These include tightening Low Emission Zone standards, implementing new green infrastructure, using targeted measures such as dust suppressant technology, establishing electric vehicles and just this week launching a no engine idling campaign with support from Asthma UK."

The Mayor's action follows City of London moves to introduce fixed penalty notices of £20 if drivers fail to turn off engines when asked, rising to £40 if they do not pay on time. The policy has been in place since January 1.

Croydon, Wandsworth and Islington councils already issue fixed penalty notices to drivers who leave engines idling, while in Camden tickets can be given to buses and coaches.