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Idle time is the time a vehicle’s engine is running while the vehicle is stationary with no productive work happening. A delivery van sitting in traffic is idling; an HGV with the engine on to run the cab heater while the driver takes a break is also idling. Both burn fuel and produce emissions for zero output.
GPS telematics tracks idle time by comparing ignition-on status against movement data. Idle reports show which vehicles idle most, at which times, and at which locations.
- Fuel cost – a diesel HGV idling costs roughly £2-5 per hour in fuel; across a large fleet this adds up significantly
- Emissions – idle hours are a controllable input into fleet carbon reporting
- Driver coaching – idle time by driver reveals behavioural patterns that training can address
- Construction plant – generators and plant equipment idling on site is particularly common and often overlooked