- Click to jump to section:
- What you can do
- Top tips
- Mythbusting: engine idling
- What we're doing
What you can do
When you’re out and about you can be breathing in dirty air without even knowing it. And you might be adding to the problem by the way you travel.
But there are plenty of ways you can help reduce air pollution. A few simple changes could help protect you, your family and others.
The single biggest thing we can do is drive less. Choosing to make more journeys on foot or by bike will also improve your health.
Top tips to avoid and reduce air pollution
Here are a few ideas that could work for you. It might not be possible to do them all, but every small change we make can help clean up our air.
Top tips for drivers
A third of journeys under 1km in Greater Manchester are made by car. Could you make that journey on foot or by bike? If you have to drive, you can still reduce the impact of your journey.
Mythbusting: Engine idling
Idling is leaving your vehicle’s engine running when it’s not in motion. Here are some idling myths and facts, that could help reduce your emissions and save money!
False
Turning your engine off and on again doesn’t damage your engine, drain the battery or waste fuel. In fact, it is much better for the health of your engine than idling. Idling for just 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.
False
The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. Modern engines don’t need more than a few minutes to warm up as you drive. Leaving the engine running when you’re parked up can actually increase wear and tear.
False
Engines will stay warm for 30-60 minutes after switching off, so you needn’t worry about your heater going cold, and stopping and starting doesn’t affect the lifespan of modern engines.
False
Traffic wardens can fine you if you’re parked somewhere you shouldn’t be, whether your engine is running or not!
False
Idling for an hour can waste half a gallon or more of fuel. Think of the amount of money you’re wasting over the course of a year. It’s also bad for your engine and can mean higher maintenance costs.
What we’re doing
We all have a role to play in cleaning up the air we all breathe. In Greater Manchester, we’re committed to making a difference for the people who live, work and play here.
Our current plans and activity are already making a difference to local air quality. We’re also working with government on a new Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan.