Protecting our Health: Implementing an anti-idling campaign in Australia

Yellow text on black background that reads: Asthma pick-up zone. Turn off your engine when parked.

The Idle Off campaign is a nationwide health promotion initiative aimed at reducing vehicle idling near schools and childcare centres. Underpinned by research from the University of Melbourne’s Climate CATCH Lab and the Deakin Universities Breathe Melbourne Study, Idle Off seeks to protect children from the harmful effects of air pollution by encouraging drivers to turn off their engines when stationary.

Why Idle Off?

Asthma is the most common chronic illness among Australian children. Vehicle idling near schools contributes significantly to this issue. When cars are left running at pickup and drop-off times, they emit harmful pollutants that children inhale during critical developmental periods.

Idle Off addresses this preventable source of pollution by promoting awareness and establishing anti-idling zones, thereby safeguarding children's health.

The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Idling

Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution in Australia. Key findings include:

  • Health Impacts: Vehicle emissions may cause over 11,000 premature adult deaths annually in Australia.
  • Children's Vulnerability: Children are particularly susceptible to traffic pollution due to their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates.
  • Asthma Risks: Even minimal increases in traffic exhaust exposure are associated with significant increases in asthma risks among children.
  • Carcinogenic Effects: Diesel exhaust is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, indicating sufficient evidence that exposure causes lung cancer.

Our Plan for Action

Idle Off aims to implement two key strategies:

  1. National Awareness Campaign
    Drawing inspiration from successful public health campaigns like “Slip! Slop! Slap!”, we aim to educate Australians about the health dangers of vehicle idling and promote simple behavior changes to protect children.
  2. Anti-Idling Zones Near Schools
    Starting with high-traffic areas in Melbourne, we aim to establish designated anti-idling zones around schools and childcare centres. These zones will reduce pollution exposure and foster community engagement.

A Collaborative Effort

Idle Off is led by researchers at the University of Melbourne Climate CATCH Lab and is supported by:

  • Climate and Health Alliance
  • Doctors for the Environment Australia
  • Deakin University’s Breathe Melbourne Study

Together, we are committed to ensuring a healthier future for Australia’s children.

Achievements to Date

The Idle Off campaign is already well underway, supported by a strong foundation of research, partnerships, and infrastructure.

  • Policy Brief:  A comprehensive policy brief has been developed, outlining the urgent need for anti-idling action in Australia.
  • Consultation with Key Stakeholders: In November 2024, CATCH lab researchers ran stakeholder workshops with major health and climate organisations and local government representatives—including Asthma Australia, Lung Foundation Australia, Cancer Council Australia, the Climate Council, Parents for Climate Action and Darebin and Maribyrnong Council —all of whom provided strategic input.
  • Consultation with Government: A series of meetings has been held with various Commonwealth and State Government Departments and representatives to establish potential pathways for future reform.
  • Strategic Collaboration: A Memorandum of Understanding is being established between the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA), Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), and the University of Melbourne, formalising collaboration and shared commitment to project delivery.
  • Existing Infrastructure: Idle Off builds on strong existing platforms, including the Idle Off website and Deakin University’s Breathe Melbourne project , which offer evidence-based educational materials and resources for schools and local councils. These assets provide a ready-made foundation for an updated national campaign rollout.

Join Us

We invite health leaders, educators, councils, and community organizations to support the Idle Off campaign. By working together, we can reduce emissions, improve air quality, and protect the health of the next generation.

For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact:

Hannah Morrice
hannah.morrice@unimelb.edu.au

Child waving at parent in car