The City of London has used the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games as a means toward a cleaner transportation system. Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London announced last week the start of a “no engine idling” campaign ahead of the Summer Games. This campaign answers criticisms by environmental advocates about dipping air quality levels in London while fitting into Johnson’s ongoing efforts to reduce vehicle emissions. The simplicity of the “no engine idling” campaign masks potential emissions cuts of 33% by 2015 compared to 2008 measurements.
Researchers at Transport for London are instructing Londoners to shut off their engines when idling for more than one minute. City officials note that “no engine idling” applies not only to passenger vehicles but city buses, taxis and every other vehicle on London roads. This campaign is based on research at the Millbrook Proving Ground that should eliminate concerns about wearing out vehicle starters and batteries. Transport for London found that cars, buses and trucks that repeatedly stop and start do not experience technical problems over thousands of key turns. The “no engine idling” campaign focuses particularly on London’s black cabs, which contribute 25% of the city’s emissions with about 15% produced while idling.
The push for the “no engine idling campaign” goes beyond London’s desire to put on a good show this summer. The Confederation of Passenger Transport has worked with the Freight Transport Association and Asthma UK to study the health impacts of greenhouse emissions. Asthma UK estimates that vehicle pollution contributes to nearly 4,300 deaths in London each year especially among sensitive populations like children and the elderly. The City of London and Transport for London are highlighting the compounding effect of air pollution on cyclists, pedestrians and others exposed to contaminated air during this campaign.
Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London have demonstrated an effective corollary to green vehicle development. Big cities like London are moving toward greener transportation but full immersion of EVs, alt-fuel vehicles and hybrids will take at least a generation. The gradual introduction of green vehicles in London combined with efforts like the “no engine idling” campaign should cut emissions significantly within the decade. The intersection of technology with public policy dealing with reduced emissions seems far in the distance but Mayor Johnson has taken steps in the right direction.
