--- title: "Stationary traffic and exhaust fumes: Are businesses doing enough to monitor exposure?" description: Discover the risks of vehicle idling, diesel exhaust emissions and how workplace gas monitoring can help businesses manage exposure. image: https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Drager%20Pac%206000.png --- - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/events) - [News](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Contact Us](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) [Login](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/account/login) - Gas Detection - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Ground Gas/ Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drug & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/hamburger-icon.svg) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/menu-close.svg) Menu - Products - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fixed-gas-monitoring) - [Ground Gas/Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drugs & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Brochure](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Shawcity%20overview%20brochure%20MAR%2025%20web.pdf) - [News & Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/knowledge-hub) [CONTACT US](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) ##### [**News**](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/tag/news) # Stationary traffic and exhaust fumes: Are businesses doing enough to monitor exposure? **Shawcity**|10 November 2026 ![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Drager%20Pac%206000.png) Vehicle idling is often seen as a minor part of everyday operations. However, when delivery vehicles, HGVs and other diesel-powered machinery spend extended periods stationary with their engines running, exhaust emissions can become a concern – particularly in busy workplaces and poorly ventilated areas. For businesses operating transport depots, distribution centres, warehouses and industrial facilities, understanding the potential impact of vehicle emissions is an important part of protecting employees and maintaining a safe working environment.   #### The hidden impact of stationary traffic Traffic-related air pollution remains an important environmental and public health concern across the UK. According to the Government's latest *Air Quality Statistics for 2025*, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations at roadside monitoring stations were, on average, **20% higher during the working week than at weekends**. The figures reflect the relationship between traffic activity and pollution levels, with concentrations generally increasing during weekday rush hours. While this data relates to wider roadside air quality rather than individual workplaces, it highlights how changes in traffic activity can influence local pollution levels. For businesses with regular vehicle movements, queuing delivery vehicles and prolonged periods of engine idling, this raises an important question: how well understood is the air quality around their operations?   #### Why vehicle idling matters Vehicle exhaust emissions contain a mixture of gases and particles, some of which can present health risks when inhaled. Of particular concern are: - **Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂):** A respiratory irritant that can inflame the airways and aggravate existing respiratory conditions. - **Carbon monoxide (CO):** An odourless, colourless gas that can interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen. - **Diesel particulate matter:** Fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, with long-term exposure to diesel exhaust emissions associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. The potential for exposure depends on several factors, including the number and type of vehicles, how long engines remain running, proximity to employees and the availability of natural or mechanical ventilation. Areas such as loading bays, vehicle inspection areas, workshops and enclosed delivery zones may require particular attention.   #### Growing attention on unnecessary engine idling The issue of stationary vehicle emissions is receiving increased attention from UK policymakers. In Wales, new regulations came into force on 30 September 2026, increasing the fixed penalty for unnecessary vehicle engine idling from £20 to between £75 and £150. The Welsh Government has also published draft guidance for local authorities, setting out how they can discourage unnecessary idling through education, local initiatives and enforcement. Although these changes apply specifically to Wales, they reflect wider recognition of the impact that unnecessary vehicle emissions can have on air quality and public health. For businesses, introducing clear no-idling policies, improving vehicle movements and reducing unnecessary engine running are practical steps towards limiting avoidable emissions. However, reducing idling is only part of the picture. Businesses also need to consider whether their existing controls are adequately managing employee exposure. ![idling traffic](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/idling%20traffic.png?width=974&height=648&name=idling%20traffic.png)   #### Understanding the importance of exhaust fume monitoring Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), employers have a responsibility to assess and adequately control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Where the risk assessment indicates it is necessary, workplace exposure monitoring can help establish whether existing control measures are effective and identify areas requiring further attention. Depending on the environment and the findings of the assessment, monitoring may include: - **Carbon monoxide (CO):** Identifying potential build-up of combustion gases. - **Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂):** Assessing exposure to a key pollutant associated with vehicle exhaust emissions. - **Particulate matter:** Understanding concentrations of airborne particles, including those associated with diesel exhaust. Monitoring can help businesses build a clearer picture of local conditions, identify potential pollution hotspots and make more informed decisions about ventilation, vehicle management and exposure controls. The approach will depend on the site and its specific risks. Portable monitoring, personal exposure assessments or fixed monitoring installations may all have a role to play.   #### Supporting safer working environments For organisations operating busy vehicle areas, understanding the potential impact of exhaust emissions is an important consideration. Combining practical measures to reduce unnecessary idling with appropriate air quality and exposure monitoring can help businesses better understand workplace conditions and assess whether existing controls are working effectively. At Shawcity, we supply gas detection and environmental monitoring equipment to support organisations in identifying potential atmospheric hazards and making informed decisions about workplace safety. Whether assessing vehicle emissions around a busy loading area, monitoring conditions within a transport depot or investigating potential exposure in an industrial environment, selecting the right monitoring approach is an important first step. Understanding what is in the air is key to managing the risks.   ##### References: 1\. UK Government – Air Quality Statistics in the UK, 1987 to 2025 [Air Quality Statistics – Summary (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/air-quality-statistics/summary?utm_source=chatgpt.com)  2\. UK Government – Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) Statistics [Nitrogen Dioxide: Air Quality Statistics (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/air-quality-statistics/ntrogen-dioxide?utm_source=chatgpt.com)  3\. Welsh Government – Stationary Vehicle Engine Idling [Stationary Vehicle Engine Idling: Local Authority Guidance](https://www.gov.wales/stationary-vehicle-engine-idling-local-authority-guidance?utm_source=chatgpt.com)  4\. Welsh Government – Increased Engine Idling Fines [Fine for Engine Idling to More Than Triple as Wales Cracks Down on Air Pollution](https://www.gov.wales/fine-engine-idling-more-triple-wales-cracks-down-air-pollution?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_little-text-block&utm_source=chatgpt.com)    ##### Share [Previous post](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/chemical-hazardous-goods-logistics-safety) ## **Latest posts** ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/chemicalhazard-blog.png) News **Chemical and Hazardous-Goods Logistics** 5 November 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/chemical-hazardous-goods-logistics-safety) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20Design%20(60).png) News **HSE Silica Guidance for Engineered Stone Workers** 28 October 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/silica-safety-what-the-latest-hse-guidance-means-for-engineered-stone-workers) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/chillgrd-blog.png) News **MSA ChillGard 5000 Refrigerant Monitor Guide** 27 October 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/msa-chillgard-5000-refrigerant-monitoring) [Back to blog](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) ![Newsletter icon](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Icons/newsletter-icon.svg) ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ![Newsletter icon](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Icons/newsletter-icon.svg) ![Shawcity - 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