Fines for Camden bus idlers
Bus and coach drivers in London who leave their engines running unnecessarily could feel the wrath of Camden Council.
In an effort to improve the area’s air quality, the local authority has started fining bus companies up to £80 for every engine allowed to run idle in excess of four minutes, for example at bus stops or parking bays.
This decision was taken after signs urging bus drivers to switch off when they can went ignored and comes less than a month ahead of revisions to the capital’s Low Emissions Zone designed to deliver cleaner air by fining owners of vehicles with excessive CO2 emissions.
Cllr Sean Birch, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Transport, explained how certain parts of Camden have been affected by air pollution with the lives of many who use or live alongside its busiest roads being shortened.
“We are committed to improving air quality for the benefit of our residents and the many thousands of people who pass through Camden on a daily basis, and using enforcement action was a last resort,” said Cllr Birch.
“Air quality at some locations in Camden is in breach of European Commission standards and national objectives, which are there to protect the health of our residents, visitors and working population.“
It is well documented that engine idling contributes to levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM10), two of the most significant air pollutants in London.
A spokesperson from Camden Council confirmed that the rule would only apply to buses and coaches and there were no plans to widen it to private motorists or taxi drivers.
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