Deliveroo Backs #DontBeIdle

Westminster City Council’s #DontBeIdle campaign, which exists to improve air quality for our community by eliminating engine idling, has received a massive boost with the news that deliveries giant, Deliveroo, has given the campaign its support. Deliveroo, which works with thousands of riders in the capital, has agreed to signed up to #DontBeIdle to help urge drivers not to idle their engines at the side of the road.

This news comes following the council writing to more than 20 business leaders from some of London’s top freight, delivery, coach, taxi and private hire companies, asking for support from delivery drivers and commercial vehicles which makes up a large proportion of idling drivers.

Welcoming Deliveroo, Westminster City Council Leader, Nickie Aiken, said “We have to get the message out there, turning off your engine can save lives. So having the support of Deliveroo is fantastic, as with their support we can spread the message further and help cut pollution in our city. Our #DontBeIdle campaign is really sparking the imagination of people in the city and I’d urge other businesses to get involved. Poor air quality is our residents’ number one concern and so we’re leading the way to tackle this issue.”

Research shows that an average vehicle idling produces enough exhaust emissions containing harmful chemicals every minute to fill 150 balloons, and vehicles such as buses, taxis, vans, cars and delivery vehicles account for more than half of the deadliest emissions in the air. The impact if poor air quality on the health can be significant, especially for children with pollution linked to 40,000 deaths nationally each year.

Find out more about Westminster’s #DontBeIdle campaign and pledge your support.