No idling in Bristol

Asthma campaign

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Bristol has become the first UK city to tackle the bane of every asthmatic – the motorist who won't switch off the car engine. Idling cars are now being targeted under a programme to reduce the level of toxins from car exhaust pipes.

The brains behind the scheme is Peter Taylor, a 56-year-old ex-merchant seaman, who suffers from emphysema and had to retire early because of illness.

His perseverance has prompted city councillors to erect signs along Bristol's most congested roads, telling motorists: "When idling please switch off."

Mr Taylor hopes to expand the campaign nationally. "I won't stop until every petrol and diesel car is off the road."