Drivers are being asked to stop 'idling' and switch their engines off when parked up.

Poor air quality has been proven to lead to asthma, lung disease, heart disease, restricted lung development in the young, and costs the NHS and the economy billions every year.

Long-term exposure to air pollution is estimated to have contributed to the deaths of more than 4,000 Londoners in 2019 alone.

The pandemic has seen pollution levels plunge by 20 per cent but as more motorists return to the roads, there are fears levels could climb again.

Cllr Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Hounslow Council's Communities and Climate Emergency, said: "Leaving a vehicle engine on whilst it is parked is not acceptable, and never has been, but we are increasingly aware of the need to take action where we can.

"We need to highlight this important issue and so we are asking all motorists to support us and help improve the air we all breathe.

"During the first lockdown last year, pollution in Hounslow reduced by 20 per cent, which is fantastic.

"However, this figure will increase when the lockdown measures are eased, which is why we are asking Hounslow residents to consider cycling or walking where possible.

"In situations where using a car can't be avoided, please consider the health of the people around you and turn your engine off at every stop."

Idling Action London, jointly led by City of London Corporation and Camden Council, is a Mayor of London's Air Quality Fund project that sees 30 local authorities and City of London Corporation working together to tackle engine idling as a source of avoidable air pollution.

The project, launched in 2016, offers virtual and in-person education and targeted behaviour change interventions for schools, businesses, local authorities, hospitals and other organisations.

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