HS2 bosses say they will remind their contractors about the harms of "unnecessary" idling after concerns were raised by residents.

Neighbours to HS2’s compound in West Hyde turned to their residents’ association for help after they became frustrated by the number of drivers leaving their engines running while stationary, sometimes for "hours at a time".

The Maple Cross and West Hyde Residents’ Association later wrote to HS2 calling for action on idling drivers.

An HS2 representative confirmed in a letter back to the association that it has spoken with one contractor in particular which responded to the concerns with a "matter of urgency".

The residents’ association, which has only been in place for a year, wrote back to ask for a country-wide ban on vehicle idling - HS2 responded to say they are keen to prevent pollution and would be briefing contractors all over the country to remind them idling is illegal and also highlighted the harm idling can have on people’s health and the environment.

A spokesperson from the association said they are "very grateful" to HS2 for its response.

The Royal College of Physicians estimate 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution, with engine idling contributing to this.

Idling increases the amount of exhaust fumes in the air. and these fumes contain a number of harmful gasses linked to asthma and other lung diseases.