Council to fine drivers for idling

05 March 2010

Drivers who do not switch their engines off when parked or stuck in traffic for any length of time could face a £20 fine, a council has warned.

North Lincolnshire Council is planning to introduce fixed penalty notices for these "irresponsible drivers" who fail to consider the environment - both in terms of the energy they are wasting and air quality.

Anyone deemed to be unnecessarily polluting by leaving their engines on while parked could face the fine, which would increase to £40 if not paid within 28 days, the council said.

The plan has attracted outrage from motorists.

The Association of British Drivers, which says it lobbies on behalf of Britain's "beleaguered" drivers, said it is none of the council's business if people leave their engines running.

A spokesman said: "Obviously people shouldn't get out of their car and keep their engines running because someone's going to steal it, but engines don't use much fuel while they're idling and there are some circumstances when you have to keep them running."

The council indicated it may make exceptions at times, such as during cold weather when the driver is defrosting the windscreen or if the driver is elderly and needs to keep warm.

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