Key solution

I was pleased to note your publicity re traffic pollution (Scotsman, 17April) and was concerned, but not too surprised, by the slow pace of government progress in tackling the problem.

Until matters improve there is a simple and easy contribution all drivers can make, namely to switch off the vehicle engine immediately after parking or at a prolonged stop in traffic . Rocket science ? Yes, apparently it is !

More recent vehicles have this feature built in but for the rest turning a key seems just too difficult. The sight – and smell – of parked vehicles (usually large diesels) with engines runnning while drivers eat lunch, read a paper or consult a mobile phone is incredibly common and thoughtless. Incidentally, it’s apparently an offence for a driver to use a mobile with the engine running, even if not driving.

We are led to believe that legislation about the above issues is coming but not in place yet. No surprise there. There has been publicity about this problem but it doesn’t seem to have had the desired effect. Meanwhile, can drivers do the decent thing? It will even save them money.

ALISTER MORRISON Balfour Street, North Berwick