Liverpool marked Clean Air Day in June by educating motorists about the health consequences of leaving car engines running while stationary.

Council officers were out and about in hot spot areas in the city centre chatting to drivers about the importance of turning off their engines when they are waiting or in queuing traffic.

It was part of a new drive to reduce the air pollution being released into the atmosphere, which has seen a multi-agency task force set up in the city.

Air pollution causes serious health problems, contributing to heart disease and strokes, breathing problems and lung cancer. Drivers are encouraged to turn off their engines if they are going to be stationary for more than one minute.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Councillor James Noakes, said: “There is a clear link between pollution and ill health, so it is vital that we do all we can to ensure the wellbeing of future generations.

“Whether it is turning your engine off when you are waiting for someone or leaving the car at home and walking or taking the bus, every little bit helps.

“We realise that many motorists may not be aware they are committing an offence if they allow their engine to idle unnecessarily when stationary, for example when they are waiting outside of schools.

“We want people to understand that idling increases the amount of exhaust fumes in the air and which contain a number of harmful gases that are linked to asthma and other lung diseases.

“Pollution is everyone’s problem, so we all need to be part of the solution to clear the air.”

Also on Clean Air Day, Merseytravel and City Bike were be in Williamson Square promoting the use of alternatives to using cars such as bus, bike, train or walking.