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Drivers in Wales are facing a marked increase in fines for leaving their vehicle engines running unnecessarily, commonly known as “idling.” As of today, the penalty for this offence has escalated from £20 to a maximum fine of £150. The Welsh Government states that the measure aims to enhance air quality and reduce both emissions and noise pollution, thereby protecting human health and wellbeing, supporting the economy, and safeguarding biodiversity and the natural environment.
Air pollution, described by the Government as a significant risk to health and the environment, is exacerbated by stationary idling, especially in areas with vulnerable populations, such as schools and hospitals. Rule 123 of the Highway Code advises drivers to turn off their engines when stationary for any length of time. Leaving a vehicle’s engine running while stationary can lead to a criminal conviction or a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). However, a survey by the Welsh Government revealed that only one-third of respondents are aware that this behaviour constitutes an offence.
Local authorities across Wales, as well as other regions in the UK, previously had the authority to issue £20 fines for idling, particularly near schools and healthcare facilities. The new fines, now set between £75 and £150, will be determined at the discretion of local authorities.
Stationary idling occurs when a vehicle with an internal combustion engine is not moving but continues to run. The Welsh Government informs that every minute a car engine is idling emits enough exhaust to fill up to 150 balloons with harmful pollutants, including cyanide and nitrogen oxides. It also points out that idling for 30 seconds can produce nearly double the pollution compared to turning off the engine and restarting it.
The procedure for issuing fines requires enforcement officers to first request that a driver switch off their engine. If the driver complies or leaves the location, no offence is deemed to have occurred. However, if the driver refuses, a penalty can be imposed. There is no specific time frame defined for how long a vehicle must be stationary with its engine running before it is considered an offence, though the Highway Code advises switching off engines if a vehicle is anticipated to remain stationary for more than a couple of minutes.
Certain circumstances exclude drivers from facing fines for idling, such as being stationary due to traffic conditions, needing to power essential equipment, diagnosing or repairing a vehicle fault, or when the vehicle is located on private land.
The Welsh Government highlights air pollution as a critical public health concern, emphasising its far-reaching health impacts, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including older adults and children. The Government asserts that reducing idling can help mitigate emissions at exposure points, thus protecting those most at risk.
