Parents and carers are being warned over fines at the school gates this winter, as new research suggests many leave their engines running while waiting for their kids.
Known as "idling", leaving the engine on while stationary wastes fuel, damages the environment, and also puts the driver at risk of being hit with a £20 fine. If this isn't paid within four weeks, it can double to £40.
Idling is banned at schools because it creates harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and can damage children’s health. Motorists are now being urged to wrap up with extra coats, hats and gloves so they don’t need to keep the engine running to fuel the heater.
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It comes as new research by Quotezone.co.uk found 11% of drivers fail to turn off their engines while waiting outside school.
Quotezone.co.uk founder Greg Wilson said: “It can be tempting to leave the engine running during the colder, darker months but drivers need to be aware that by running their engines, they are wasting fuel and potentially damaging the health of the school children who may be breathing in harmful fumes.
“Vehicle emissions are especially harmful for kids as they breathe more rapidly than adults and therefore take in more pollution. They’re also costing themselves money by burning fuel they could be conserving and that’s not to mention the long-term damage to the environment and the air quality.”
Researchers polled 1,000 motorists to ask them about their school run habits.
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