Drivers didn't turn off engines - and caused pollution: Egged fined NIS 842,720

The Ministry of Environmental Protection fined Egged NIS 842,720 after documenting buses idling at terminals for over ten minutes, in violation of regulations. The fine was reduced by 20% due to no prior violations.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection imposed a financial sanction of NIS 842,720 on Egged, after supervisory actions documented buses parked at terminals for more than ten minutes without their engines being turned off. The prolonged operation violated instructions to reduce air pollution from the company's vehicle fleet. The ministry notified Egged in July 2025 of its intention to impose the sanction, and the company presented measures to correct the deficiencies. However, in seven additional follow-up observations, violations were again documented, and Egged's request to reduce the sanction was denied. The fine amount was reduced by 20% from the maximum possible sanction, after the ministry noted there was no information on prior violations. Iris Shalit, Senior Deputy Director of Supervision and Enforcement at the ministry, stated that turning off the engine while parking is a simple action that prevents unnecessary pollutant emissions in urban areas. The ministry noted that even buses meeting the Euro 6 standard continue to emit pollutants while the engine is running, underscoring the importance of enforcement.