Pollution control - idling vehicles
Overview
What is idling?
An idling vehicle is basically one whose engine is running when it is parked or not in use. Common reasons for engine idling are:
- Warming up the car
- Waiting for someone
- Doing an errand
Other reasons, reported by drivers include:
- Personal comfort
- Listening to the radio
- Parking illegally
- Convenience
Why is idling a problem?
Leaving an engine running causes unnecessary air pollution. The whole of the borough has been designated an Air Quality Management Area for failure to meet air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, and as such we are taking actions to reduce air pollution.
It is an offence to leave your engine idling, so switch off your engine.
Any driver of a motor vehicle who unnecessarily keeps their engine running while the vehicle is parked on a road can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.
When an officer discovers a vehicle with its engine running the first action would be to advise the driver that it is an offence for the engine to be running in a stationary vehicle, and that such an offence carries a Fixed Penalty of £20. The officer would then request the driver to turn the engine off. A Fixed Penalty Notice would only be issued if the driver refuses to turn off the engine even though requested to do so by an authorised officer. The fine must be paid within 28 days, or else it increases to £40.
