Billy Idol's Clean Air Campaign Is No Idle Threat

NEW YORK CITY — Rock star Billy Idol stood outside City Hall and chanted, over and over, "Billy never idles! Billy never idles!"

"Idling is just stupid," Mayor Bill de Blasio chimed in. "I have been really p---ed off about idling. For a long time."

This oddly anti-idling odd couple were not just engaging in idle talk: the rock star and mayor announced New York City Thursday is launching a $1 million war on idling.

Idol will be the face of the new campaign which asks New Yorkers to shut off their engines and report people who don't.

"It's a fun play on my name," Idol said of the campaign slogan, Billy Never Idles. "And a great way to give back."

New Yorkers who file a confirmed idling complaint can earn up to $87.50, 25 percent of the $350 idling fine and the Department of Environmental Protection will also get seven inspectors to process incoming complaints, officials said.

Priority zones — Chinatown, Port Authority, World Trade Center, Fulton Street, Richmond Terrace, Flushing, Roosevelt Avenue, and Commercial Fordham Road — will get more traffic cops.

The goal is to increase air quality by cutting down on the time cars, buses and trucks spend emitting fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxide.

"Help my lungs," Idol urged drivers. "I need my lungs to breathe and sing."

Watch Billy Idol chant outside City Hall here: