Clean air policy is no idle concept

On the eve of Clean Air Day (Thursday 18 June), Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) is urging motorists to heed new ‘No idling’ signs put up at stations and car parks across its vast network.

No idling zones include drop-off areas, waiting zones, loading and unloading areas and car parks.

GTR’s Head of Environment and Sustainability Jason Brooker said:

“If you’re waiting to pick someone up then please kill your engine. This is about people’s health and wellbeing, particularly in busy station environments where lots of people are passing through.

“Vehicle emissions contain particulates and pollutants that can be harmful when inhaled and impact our respiratory health. Exhaust fumes also release planet warming emissions that contribute to climate change – it’s a double whammy.”

As part of a brand new Sustainability Strategy The company, which operates Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services across 11 counties, has also launched a ‘No Idling Policy’ for its staff. This states that its own vehicles must not remain stationary for more than one minute with their engine running unless there is a valid reason.

GTR Environment Specialist Claudia Mak added:

"During March and April, data showed that GTR road fleet vehicles were idle for 14% of their total operating time – that’s 992 hours.

“While some idling is unavoidable, the fuel used during that time produced over 4 tonnes of CO₂, along with other pollutants affecting local air quality. That's roughly the equivalent of running two or three cars for an entire year.

"The good news is we can act on this. Real-time insight into idling patterns helps us work directly with our road fleet users to reduce unnecessary emissions.”

Working with Imperial College London, Southern and Thameslink recently installed an air quality display at one of London’s busiest stations – Peckham Rye – to highlight issues Could this be London’s most 'looked-at' air quality display? | GTR.

Air Quality Technologist Andrew Grieve said:

“Air pollution affects every single one of us, from our first breath to our last, from the youngest to the oldest. We hope that by showing what air quality is like, it can help build consensus for improving our air in the longer term.”

GTR is empowering customers to reduce emissions further by driving electric vehicles (EVs). More than 30 EV charging points have been installed at GTR-managed station car parks, making it easy for customers to top up while they travel.

ENDS