Egged Fined Nearly $230,000 for Repeated Engine Idling Violations

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has imposed a fine of NIS 842,720 (approximately $228,000) on the bus company Egged for repeated violations of regulations requiring drivers to turn off their engines while parked. Ministry inspectors documented instances where buses remained idle with engines running for over ten minutes, contrary to directives aimed at reducing air pollution. The enforcement process against Egged began in July 2025, when the ministry notified the company of its intent to levy a financial penalty. Egged presented measures intended to prevent recurrence, but subsequent inspections revealed that the violations persisted.

Further surveillance in seven separate observations confirmed that drivers continued to leave bus engines running during stops. Egged requested a reduction in the fine amount, citing the steps it had taken. However, the ministry rejected this, noting the ongoing violations even after the enforcement proceedings commenced. The final penalty was reduced by 20% according to regulations, as Egged had no prior violations on this specific issue, leading to the final sum of NIS 842,720.

Iris Shalit, Senior Deputy Director for Supervision and Enforcement at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that the ministry continuously monitors and enforces regulations to reduce transportation-related air pollution. She emphasized that turning off engines while parked is a simple action that prevents unnecessary emissions, particularly in urban areas where the public is exposed to numerous pollution sources. Shalit added that the ministry documented repeated violations over time and found further infractions even after initiating enforcement, and pledged continued monitoring and enforcement to protect public health.