Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government which Ministers have given permission or asked drivers of Government Car Service cars to leave their engines running in New Palace Yard while the vehicle is stationary and waiting.

The Government Car Service (GCS) is not aware of any Ministers requesting or instructing GCS drivers to leave their engines running while parked in New Palace Yard.

GCS is moving towards low and zero emission vehicles to reduce carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions and the Department is working with them to speed this up.

Cars operated by the Metropolitan Police Service also park in New Palace Yard but I am unable to comment on the operational instructions given to their drivers.