More than 30 per cent of Epping Forest residents say the council's new idling ban would make them turn off their engines.

Last week the district council announced it is now an offence for a motorist to withhold information or not switch off their engine if requested by an authorized officer.

Those who linger, particularly outside schools, could be taken to court, convicted and fined up to £1,000.

Alternatively, an on the spot fixed penalty notice of £20 can be issued by public health and environment and neighbourhood officers.

When asked whether the threat of this new fine would affect their driving habits, 34 per cent of 204 respondents said it would make them turn off their engine.

On the other hand, 27 per cent said it would not and 17 per cent said they did not drive.

The remaining 22 per cent said they would turn off their engines, but only if they saw an officer.

Luckily for them but unluckily for the environment, the council employs only seven officers to cover a 339km² area.

A Council spokesperson said: “Epping Forest District Council has adopted legislation to deal with idling cars, all Public Health and Environment and Neighbourhood Officers are authorised under regulation 13 of the Road Traffic Regulations 2002, to issue a fine or prosecute drivers of stationary vehicles if they fail to comply with a request to switch off the engine of a vehicle.

"Leaving engines running while stationary is a significant source of air pollution.

"Combating this is particularly important in locations where there are high numbers of idling vehicle engines, such as outside schools.

"The Council takes air quality and air pollution within the district seriously and is committed to promoting awareness and educating members of the public about the benefits that small changes, like switching off their engines while stationary, can make to their environment.”