Put a stop to Idling
Businesses all across the UK are constantly seeking new and innovative strategies to optimise their fleet operations. One way of doing this is to monitor and reduce the rate of idling, where vehicles are left running unnecessarily. Idling not only wastes fuel but also adds wear and tear to the vehicles, leading to increased maintenance costs. When you are running a fleet within your business, this cost can quickly add up as idle vehicles burn fuel, resulting in unnecessary expenses.
What is Idling?
Idling refers to the act of leaving a vehicle’s engine running for extended periods of time while the vehicle is stationary. Whether it’s waiting in traffic, picking up a passenger or simply taking a break, idling has become a common practice among many drivers. Drivers and Fleet managers alike should try to monitor and curb this behaviour.
Why should you stop idling?
One of the primary reasons people engage in idling is for personal comfort and convenience. In colder months in particular, drivers may leave their engines running to keep the interior of their vehicle warm. Similarly, during hotter periods, idling may be used to keep the air conditioning system running to keep the vehicle cool. People may also idle their vehicle while waiting for passengers to avoid the inconvenience of restarting the engine.
Some drivers mistakenly believe that idling is more fuel-efficient than restarting the engine, and that the fuel consumed during startup is greater than the amount consumed during idling. This is a common misconception as modern engines are designed to start efficiently and the fuel consumed during startup is typically less than the fuel that is burned during extended periods of idling. A survey conducted by Idling Action in 2020 found that if a vehicle idles for 10 minutes per day, within 6 months that would equate to a cost of over £58. With recent increases in fuel prices, the cost would be even greater than this today.
Research also found that 5-10% of drivers vehicles have stop-start technology but have decided to disable it. When enabled, stop-start technology reduces vehicle emissions and fuel use by switching off the engine whilst stationary, saving fuel and money.
Environmental impact
UK drivers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental implications of idling. Air pollution resulting from idling vehicles has a direct impact on public health. Air pollution, including vehicle engine idling emissions, is thought to be linked to between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths in the UK each year.
Nicholas Lyes of the RAC says: “Idling your engine wastes fuel, money and means you are unnecessarily emitting air pollutants. If your car has stop-start technology we strongly recommend you use it to help cut down on harmful emissions. Drivers shouldn’t worry about start-stop as modern car batteries are designed to be switched on and off regularly and generally only engage the technology once the engine has been running for a while anyway.”
What are the benefits of curbing idling within my business?
For businesses operating large fleets, reducing idling presents a significant opportunity to cut costs. These savings are achieved through reduced fuel consumption, decreased maintenance costs and increased vehicle lifespans. To effectively reduce idling, businesses should invest in driver training and telematics solutions. Fleet managers can educate drivers on the negative consequences of idling.
How Telematics Solutions can help
By adopting telematics solutions, these devices can provide real-time data on vehicle locations and idling durations, which can enable fleet managers to address the issue quickly and efficiently. Some technology even allows for targeted interventions and optimised routes which can help to reduce idling time.
Furthermore, stationary idling is an offense under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This act states that “You must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. ”. If you are caught idling you could potentially be hit with a £20 fixed-penalty fine, rising to £40 if unpaid within the required timeframe. Fines can even be as high as £80 in certain areas in London.
Useful Statistics
The investment in telematics devices doesn’t take long to pay for itself. The benefits to your company are positive and far reaching. These include:
• 80% Reduction in overtime claims
• 39% Reduction in accidents
• 35% Reduction in speeding
• 25% Reduction in insurance costs
• 10% Reduction in fuel costs
In conclusion, while idling may seem like a harmless activity, it can come with significant costs and negative consequences. By raising awareness about the negative impacts, individuals and businesses can make informed choices that reduce idling and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Useful Links
To find out more about our fuel cards click here – https://www.cambriancards.com/fuel-cards/
To learn how our telematics solutions will help your fleet become more efficient and effective, click here – https://www.cambriancards.com/telematics/
