Legislative initiatives addressing voluntary idling of cars

Question for written answer  E-000907/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Vlad Gheorghe (Renew)

Voluntary idling of cars represents a serious danger for the environment and for public health in terms of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. In addition, engine idling leads to fuel waste and damages the components responsible for vehicle safety. Some Member States have successfully introduced idling limits on a national level. However, the lack of a common EU approach to this issue is jeopardising our efforts to achieve climate neutrality, reduce pollution and prevent related health problems.

The Commission 2021 work programme includes, among the Fit for 55 package objectives, the revision of the regulation setting CO₂ emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles.

• 1.Does the Commission plan to address voluntary engine idling in the aforementioned regulation and does it plan to set idling limits on the cars currently circulating in the EU through further legislative initiatives?
• 2.Does it plan to distinguish between the zones where the impact of idling‑related emissions is particularly damaging, such as school and hospital areas, and other urban and rural zones, when considering the adoption of idling limits at EU level?
• 3.What awareness‑raising initiatives can it suggest to promote voluntary behaviour changes in drivers who let their cars idle?