Idle Off is about reducing unnecessary pollution where children gather. It’s flexible, practical, and grounded in care, with children’s safety and comfort always coming first.
Idle Off Q+A
Does idling for just a minute really matter?
Even short periods of idling create concentrated pollution where children are standing. Kids’ lungs are still developing, so small exposures add up. Switching engines off reduces pollution immediately.
Fact: Leaving an engine running is equivalent to smoking a cigarette around a child.
Why is the school or centre involved?
Schools and childcare centres have a duty of care to provide safe, healthy environments. Reducing avoidable air pollution at the gate is a simple, preventative health measure.
Is this about climate change
Idle Off is first and foremost about children’s health and clean air. While reducing pollution also helps the environment, the main focus is protecting kids’ developing lungs.
I drive a low-emissions, hybrid, or electric car. Does it mattter?
Yes and thank you for doing your part! Even hybrid or low-emissions cars can contribute to local air pollution through brake and tire dust, especially when many cars are idling together at school gates. Electric vehicles don’t produce exhaust pollution, but switching engines off still reduces unnecessary energy use and congestion, and supports the community norm of cleaner air for kids.
Resarting the engine uses more fuel than idling right?
For modern vehicles, this isn’t true. Restarting the engine typically uses less fuel than idling for more than a few seconds. Plus, idling unnecessarily increases wear and tear on your engine, which can reduce your car’s lifespan and efficiency. Reducing idling is better for the car, the air, and children’s health.
My one car doesn't make a difference
When many cars idle together at school gates, pollution builds up quickly. Every engine switched off helps, especially for children standing nearby. One minute of a car's engine idling = 150 balloons worth of harmful pollution.
Idle Off works because it’s a community effort.
What about buses, tradies, or delivery vehicles?
All drivers are encouraged to switch engines off where safe and practical. Schools often work with bus operators or contractors to support this. It’s about shared responsibility, not singling anyone out.
What about hot or cold days?
Children’s comfort and safety come first. Idle Off is about reducing unnecessary idling where safe and practical, not policing or putting anyone at risk. Families should use common sense. In extreme heat or when children’s comfort or safety is at risk, families should do what’s appropriate for their situation.
I need to run the air conditioning for my other kids in the car
Safety and comfort always come first. Idle Off encourages engines off where reasonable. Families should make decisions that keep children safe and comfortable.
Is this enforced or monitored?
No. Idle Off is an awareness and education initiative, not an enforcement program. There are no fines or penalties, just friendly reminders and shared responsibility.
This feels like blaming parents or a "nanny state"
Idle Off is not about blame. Most people idle without realising the impact. It’s about providing information and encouraging small, voluntary actions to protect children’s health. Families are trusted to make sensible choices.