Petrol and diesel vehicle owners across the UK are at risk of being slapped with an £80 fine for breaking a little-known engine rule. Experts at ChooseMyCar.com have stressed that leaving an engine idling could backfire, with road users at risk of serious penalties.
The problem is likely to be more prevalent in the Autumn and Winter as drivers parking up are less likely to want to turn off their engine and lose the heater. However, the Highway Code makes clear that vehicle idling is against the rules, with fines in place for those who object. The level of punishment is likely to vary between local authorities, with some areas charging more than others.
ChooseMyCar.com said: “While it may be tempting to keep your engine running if you’re parked and waiting to pick someone up, or while you’re defrosting your car during winter, doing this is dangerous, as it releases a lot of harmful gases.
“It also violates rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers mustn't leave their vehicle running unnecessarily while stationary.
“If your car engine is found to be running in a stationary position, some local authorities will charge £20, although the fine can increase to £80.”
Leaving an engine ticking over can be harmful for the environment, with toxic gases from the exhaust continually pumped into the air. This can have a major impact on local air quality, which can worsen respiratory problems such as asthma.
As well as environmental damage, leaving a car ticking over could still backfire on motorists, with road users likely wasting fuel. There is also a risk of inefficient fuel combustion when a car is idling, possibly leading to carbon buildup and even engine damage.
However, the RAC claims that fines are only likely to be imposed if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine when asked by an authorised person.
Rule 123 of the Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.
“Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution. However, it is permissible to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults.”
