YOU could get fined for not turning off your engine when sitting in traffic or waiting at a level-crossing.

The 'Engines off for every stop' campaign is underway this week and Ealing is one of the London boroughs that has joined in to tackle engine idling as a source of avoidable air pollution.

Drivers who are approached by officers and who fail to turn off their engines are issued with a £20 Fixed Penalty Notice.

The new campaign aims to encourage local drivers in cutting down on the time spent with their engine running whilst stationary.

Even by switching off the engine for one minute whilst stationary, a single family-sized car or small van can prevent up to 420 litres of exhaust fumes being released into the atmosphere.

The scheme is being brought in as it is estimated that almost 10,000 Londoners die prematurely every year due to long-term exposure to air pollution.

Poor air quality can cause asthma, lung disease, heart disease, restricted lung development for children and costs the NHS and the economy billions every year.

There is also emerging evidence that air pollution can increase vulnerability to the most severe impacts of COVID-19.

Leader of Ealing Council, Julian Bell, said: "We know that air pollution contributes to the early deaths of almost 9,500 Londoners every single year and that includes more than 380 here in Ealing.

"This is why we are joining with boroughs across the capital to support the 'Engines off for every stop' campaign and help spread the word on the positive changes drivers can make as we look to improve air quality for local people and the environment.

"Taking strong action to support sustainable travel choices will ultimately save lives.

"We have recently launched our Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy, which underlines our ongoing commitment to increase active travel such as walking and cycling for short journeys.

"Rollout of electric vehicles charging points is also continuing and the council's target is for all residents to be within a five-minute walk of a charge point by 2025."