Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with a hefty fine if they make a common mistake while sitting in their car, and it tends to be done a lot more during the summer months. Eden Tyres & Servicing recently drew people’s attention to the matter in a candid video, where it was explained where people often go wrong.
The presenter said it’s a “warm weather error” a lot of people make, and it can lead to you having to cough up a hefty sum of cash. She said it’s something many of us do when the sun is shining, so now really is the time to listen to the expert advice.
In the TikTok clip, she said: “When the weather is lovely and hot, and cars are stuffy, many of us leave our car idling whilst parked to let the air conditioning cool the interior.
“But, did you know, if you get caught by a police officer or traffic warden, and don’t turn your engine off when asked to do so, you can land an £80 fine?
“The reasoning behind this is to cut down on exhaust emissions and redundant noise. So now you know, and make sure you don’t end up with that £80 fine.”
Idling simply means leaving a vehicle’s engine running while it is stationary. While this can happen due to everyday traffic, there are some circumstances – such as waiting for children outside schools and sitting in total gridlock – when idling isn’t deemed necessary and should be avoided, if possible.
If you didn’t know, it’s actually an offence to leave your car idling in many areas. Indeed, people can be fined hefty amounts for doing so in some circumstances.
The RAC states: “Some local authorities charge a £20 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for emission offences and stationary idling under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002. There’s potential for the fine to increase to £80.
“However, it’s important to note that fines are imposed only if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine when asked to do so by an authorised person.”
Rule 123 of The Highway Code focuses on “The Driver and the Environment”. This section instructs that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, or leave a car engine running unnecessarily if a vehicle is stationary on a public road.
Why is idling so bad?
Idling is considered bad for a number of reasons. For example, if you opt to do this instead of turning your engine off while stationary, then the amount of exhaust emissions in the air will increase.
Emissions contain many harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, which is bad for the environment and also impacts climate change. As well as this, it comprises of many other harmful gases including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
These are linked to conditions such as asthma and other lung diseases. Diesel vehicles – especially older ones – are considered as one of the biggest contributors to the issue. This is due to high levels of nitrogen oxide and particulates.
The RAC adds: “Local authorities have the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for engine idling if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine, regardless of the location.
“The penalty is given as a result of rule 123 of The Highway Code, stating that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road.”