An engine control apparatus includes a brake depression degree detecting device for detecting a degree of depression of a brake pedal in a vehicle. A brake depression degree judging device operates for judging whether or not the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is smaller than a prescribed value. A deceleration detecting device operates for detecting a deceleration of the vehicle. An automatic engine stop and restart controlling device operates for automatically stopping an engine powering the vehicle when the deceleration detecting device detects a deceleration of the vehicle and the brake depression degree judging device judges that the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is not smaller than the prescribed value.