Idle Off Project

WELCOME TO THE STA IDLE OFF PROJECT!

What is Engine Idling?

Traffic is one of the major causes of air pollution. Reducing emissions from road transport is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve local air quality. This can be done by reducing the use of vehicles, especially older, more polluting vehicles, and by avoiding idling whenever possible.

What?

Definition - Idling refers to cars/buses leaving their engine on when stopped ie at school pick ups.
Idling for only 10 seconds uses more fuel than turning off the engine.
It can also be harmful to the engine over time.
Idle-off means turning off your ignition when stopping at school. (or elsewhere).

Why idle-off?

Idling pollution is equivalent to adults smoking cigarettes around children (and our teachers) in the pick up zone.
School aged children are of particular concern and especially vulnerable given their growing lungs and immune systems. For one example, it can lead to new onset/diagnosis of asthma or worsening of already diagnosed asthma.
Other associated consequences (amongst others) - reduced pupil academic performance, ADHD, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, brain tumours, leukaemia, stroke, dementia.
(A relevant article with a reference to Randwick https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/air-pollution-linked-to-adhd-in-schoolkids-new-study-finds-20230518-p5d9cl.html)
Studies show a 300 per cent increase in local air pollution at school pick-up time.
Anti-idling efforts have been proven to be effective in reducing air pollution around schools.
Also it's been shown to reduce children's exposure to pollution inside the school.
There is no safe level of vehicle related air pollution. Any vehicle new or old emits pollutants that harm the health of students at schools.
Air pollution ranks higher than second-hand tobacco smoke for premature disease and death in Australia. Motor-vehicle pollution is the biggest contributor because it is in close proximity to us!

Other facts

Anti-idling regulations over 20 years in California USA have led to improved lung development and function in research of school children.
Australia is decades behind other developed countries regarding legally regulating school zone air pollution and vehicle idling. USA and The UK are examples of countries with strict regulations and widespread public health campaigns.
Lane Cove Council is calling on the NSW government to ban the idling of motor vehicle engines at schools.

Interesting links

Though idleoff.com.au has a whole list of interesting links and media included on their home page.