New York: "Private Sheriffs" against air polluters

The phenomenon is known worldwide: Truck and bus drivers who leave their engine running while they are not driving, but loading, unloading, pausing, eating, drinking or even sleeping. Especially in winter, the engine runs, then mainly so that the heating keeps running and preheats the vehicle cabin. Others want to warm up their engine first before setting off in winter. They probably don't know that this can be harmful not only to the environment but also to the vehicle. Regular idling causes piston seizure and a broken camshaft.

Since the 1970s, drivers in New York have not been allowed to leave their vehicles running when they are not driving, but very few comply. Now they have had enough of it and three years ago created the "Citizens Air Complaint Program". Since then, anyone who reports the driver collects a reward equal to a quarter of the fine imposed. This amounts to at least 350 US dollars the first time. Those who are caught again have to dig deeper and deeper into their pockets. The goal is to reduce air pollution in New York. In total, the city collected about 2.4 million US dollars last year, of course with the help of the private sheriffs. One of these overseers is said to have collected a total of 200,000 US dollars last year thanks to the rewards.

In Germany, idling is also prohibited, but as a misdemeanour it is nowhere near as lucrative. It violates the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) and -- if the engine is running on one's own property, for example -- the State Immission Control Act (LImSchG). However, fines of more than 80 euros are rarely imposed.

Perhaps it would make sense, in connection with the increased fuel prices, to simply point out again and again that a car idling for three minutes consumes petrol for one kilometre on average. Switching off the engine therefore saves money and protects the environment.