Ending engine idling
ERCS is working with environmental and public health advocates across Scotland to cut air pollution from engine idling.
Overview
Engine idling is banned in Scotland because it releases toxic exhaust fumes that are harmful to human health and the environment. Yet despite numerous reports of idling from members of the public, there has been a systemic failure to enforce the ban at air pollution hotspots – including schools and hospitals.
Campaign to end engine idling
ERCS has been working with a rapidly growing coalition including local councillors, teachers, health professionals, children and young people, parents and carers, and environmental and public health organisations to address air pollution caused by engine idling.
In March 2025, we sent a joint letter to Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, calling for action to improve enforcement of Scotland’s ban on engine idling. The letter was signed by over twenty organisations and individuals, including council conveners of transport and environment committees at Scotland’s most populous local authorities.
Join the campaign
We are calling on the Scottish Government to better enforce Scotland’s engine idling regime, improve guidance for local councils, and ensure fines are an effective deterrent.
Individuals supporting the calls
- Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Convener for the Transport and Environment Committee, City of Edinburgh Council
- Cllr Jane Ann Liston, Convener, Environment, Transportation & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee, Fife Council
- Cllr Helen Loughran, Convener of Environment and Climate Change Committee, North Lanarkshire Council
- Cllr Angus Millar, Convener for Climate, Glasgow Green Deal, Transport and City Centre Recovery, Glasgow City Council
- Miranda Radley, Vice-Convener for Net Zero, Environment and Transport, Aberdeen City Council
- Prof Campbell Gemmell, partner at Canopus Scotland and Advisor on Environment Regulation Strategy and Governance at OECD
- Dr Heather Price, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Geography at the University of Stirling, UKRI’s Clean Air Champion for Scotland
Organisations supporting the calls
Updates
Blogs & news
Councillors, health professionals, teachers and charities call on Scottish Government to cut air pollution from engine idling – press release
A coalition of more than twenty organisations and individuals, including councillors, health professionals, teachers, and charities, have joined forces to urge the Scottish Government to better enforce the ban on engine idling …
Systemic failure to enforce engine idling ban is putting public health at risk – press release
Engine idling is banned in Scotland because it releases toxic exhaust fumes that are harmful to human health and the environment. Yet despite numerous reports of idling, there has been a systemic failure to enforce the ban at air pollution hotspots …
Resources
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