Petrol and diesel motorists with a ‘stop-start’ switch fitted inside their vehicles should activate the system or risk being slapped with a fine, according to specialists. Many modern cars have a ‘stop-start’ tool that automatically turns off the engine when a vehicle is at a standstill.
Some road users decide to turn off this function, deciding instead to keep their engine ticking over when stopping at traffic lights. However, forgetting to reactivate the system could see road users massively affected with fines in place for engine idling. Even sitting by the side of the road for a couple of minutes could be enough to see road users caught out in a major blow.
Confused.com said: “If you’re caught idling you could be hit with a £20 fixed-penalty fine under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2002.
“This could rise to £40 if unpaid within the required timeframe. You only get this if you refuse to turn off your engine though.
“Fines can be as high as £80 in certain areas of London where there are additional measures to cut emissions.”
The stop-start switch is usually located on the car dashboard or the centre console close to the steering wheel.
However, motorists behind the wheel of more modern vehicles may find the setting located inside a menu on the onboard infotainment screen.
The rules are in place as recent studies have shown how vital deactivating a start-stop button could be in reducing air pollution.
The environmental benefit is the main reason why many local authorities are now deciding to clamp down on the issue.
The RAC explained: “Regardless of how somebody drives there will always be moments when their car is stationary. As a result, a journey using a stop-start engine will give off fewer emissions than the same journey without one.
“A study from the Polytechnic University of Madrid measured the CO2 emissions of two four-wheel drive vehicles. A reduction of more than 20% was recorded for the car equipped with the stop-start system.”
Despite potentially leading to a hefty fine, motorists found to have their engine idling are not likely to receive penalty points on their driving licence.