DRIVERS will be asked to cut their engines whilst stationary as part of a new campaign to improve air quality in Colchester.

The Careless Pollution campaign will ask residents to switch off whilst at traffic lights, level crossings or near schools.

Colchester Council will be visiting schools and businesses as well as installing new signs through to May after securing funding from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Research shows 87 per cent of residents are concerned about air quality whilst 41 per cent think the town is highly polluted. Friends of the Earth data from 2018 also showed there were 12 spots in the town which were dangerously polluted.

Despite residents concerns, only 15 per cent said they regularly switch off when stationary, which is scientifically proven to improve air quality.

Council environment boss Martin Goss said: “During lockdown there were significant improvements in Colchester’s air quality and people are being encouraged to keep up positive habits to support their health.

“This could include switching from car driving to cycling and walking, as well as adopting new helpful driving habits by switching off their car engines when stationary which has been proven to reduce pollution by up to 30 per cent.”

To mark the launch of the campaign a car filled with coloured smoke will be in Culver Square tomorrow.

Visit colchester.gov.uk/cleanair.