Vehicle emissions

Routine patrols are being undertaken throughout the district and if you allow your vehicle to idle unnecessarily, you may be issued with a £20 Fixed Penalty.

Considerable local and national advertising has been undertaken to inform the public about the offence of engine idling and it is not an excuse to say that you did not know you were committing an offence. It is a continuing offence, which means, should you continue to idle your engine unnecessarily you may receive more than one fixed penalty.

As a rough guide, if you're going to be parked for more than 30 seconds, turn off your engine and restart when you are ready to move on. You're likely to use less fuel, reduce unnecessary emissions, improve air quality and avoid the risk of receiving a Fixed Penalty.

The legislation covers any vehicle on a public road including buses, taxis, commercial vehicles and private cars. It does not cover vehicles stopped at traffic lights, in slow moving traffic (i.e. congestion or road works), vehicles under test or repair or defrosting a windscreen in very cold weather.