London’s drivers could save more than £60million worth of fuel by switching off their car engines when stationary.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) said this could also help reduce more than 100million kg of carbon emissions a year and is urging drivers to help improve the city’s air quality.

A report from Transport for London (TfL) also showed if all central London’s drivers turned off their engines whilst they are held up at junctions or road signals for one minute on every journey they make, the capital could reduce emissions by 90kg a year.

Tim Anderson, Senior Knowledge Manager at the EST said: “Many modern vehicles are fitted with start/stop systems which automatically switch off the engine to prevent idling. Research shows that turning off an engine and restarting it after a minute uses less fuel and causes less pollution than leaving it running.”

The EST’s ‘Inrix Report’ showed a driver who covers 12,000 miles a year could save £250 on fuel by implementing the techniques.

The news follows an ‘anti-idling’ campaign launched by the Mayor of London earlier this year as part of the plans to reduce pollution, with fines of up to £80 for excessive engine idling.

Mr Anderson added drivers would not be complying with the law if they keep engines running when at a standstill.