News has broken recently that an increasing number of councils across the UK are threatening to fine drivers who leave their engines running while parked.

Nottingham City Council is the latest local authority to announce plans to fine drivers £20 if they’re caught “idling”.

Spokespeople from The RAC support this plan, claiming, “it could play a big part in getting drivers to change their behaviour and help reduce vehicle emissions in our towns and cities.”

It is estimated that around 30 local authorities have rules in place to target idling drivers, with most handing out on-the-spot fines particularly around sensitive areas like schools and hospitals.

RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, welcomed the move to target idling engines.  “Measures like this can play a big part in changing driver behaviour, by encouraging them to really think about how they reduce their emissions footprint.

“If schemes like this can make enough of a difference in reducing emissions, there may be less of a temptation for local authorities to implement wider charging schemes for drivers.”

Mr Lyes advises drivers to switch off their engines whenever they are parked or stationary for long periods of time, such as when picking up children from school.

In addition, he also advised: “If a vehicle has stop-start technology, it should always be enabled.”