Minister may beef up rules against idling car engines

Environment Minister Richard Bruton is considering laws to tackle engine idling. This could potentially see motorists being fined for unnecessary engine idling outside places such as schools, hospitals, and care homes.

However, it could also see the minister launch a public awareness campaign to highlight the damage it causes. Based on studies in the US, if -idling measures for Ireland’s 10,000-strong bus fleet could result in a reduction of 40 tonnes of air pollution.