Taxi drivers to be urged to switch off engines at Waterloo

News of the year-long trial project to tackle engine idling at five locations in Lambeth – including Waterloo Station – came in a response to a question tabled by Lambeth's sole Green Party councillor Scott Ainslie.

Cllr Jennifer Brathwaite, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: "We are committed to improving air quality in Lambeth. Idling must be seen in the context as one of a number of issues which contributes to air pollution in the borough – and we are therefore taking steps to reduce it through a trial intervention.

"Environmental Services will shortly begin a trial project designed to reduce engine idling and to assess how targeted interventions can change drivers' behaviour.

"Officers will then produce a report on the trial's findings which will be published in May 2016."

The five trial locations include the taxi rank at Waterloo Station and tourist coaches in the South Bank and Waterloo area.

Cllr Brathwaite added: "At each location the air pollution will be monitored continuously and then analysed.

"We want our residents, businesses and stakeholders to help persuade others to improve air quality.

"During the trial, officers will engage with stakeholders such as Transport for London, coach companies and representatives of black cab drivers to explain the importance of tackling idling and the need to encourage their drivers to switch off their engines.

"An officer will be recruited to engage with drivers who are idling at any of the five locations, to discuss the impact idling has on the environment and persuade them to switch off their engine."