A CAMPAIGN to stop motorists from polluting the environment but sitting in idle traffic with their engines running launched last week.

Good Samaritans went around to various idling hotspots and warned motorists about the damage the idling can cause.

Ryan Sheehan, who took part in the event, said: "(I had a) great morning in Reading persuading motorists not to leave their engines on when stationary and help improve the air quality in their local area.

"Pleasing to see many motorists not idling and 50 per cent of motorists I spoke to who were idling chose to switch off."

Reading Borough Council wants to clamp down on motorists sitting stationary and leaving their engines running.

March 24 was the first of three 'no idling' days where community campaigners help to spread the council's message by knocking on motorists' windows and discussing the environment.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for environment, said recently: "This is an opportunity for anyone worried about air quality issues to do their bit and help the council spread the message about the importance of drivers switching off their engines when stationary.

"It is a chance for people to do something very practical to help improve the air quality in their local area and, hopefully, derive a sense of satisfaction from helping their local community, either as an individual or in groups alongside friends and neighbours."