A NEW campaign asking drivers to cut their engines whilst stationary to improve air quality in Colchester has launched.

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.

What do you think of the campaign? Will you be switching off your engine from now on?

Vote below in our poll.