CARDIFF, United Kingdom — Drivers in Wales who leave their vehicle engines running unnecessarily while parked will face fines of up to £150 under new rules taking effect Wednesday.
The measure is aimed at reducing harmful air pollution, particularly around schools and other locations where children and vulnerable people spend time.
The previous fixed penalty for vehicle idling was £20. Under the new rules, the fine will range from £75 to £150, depending on the circumstances.
The Welsh government said the higher penalties are intended to discourage drivers from leaving engines running while stationary.
School Areas Among High-Risk Locations
Llyr Gruffydd, Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Sustainability, said the previous £20 penalty was insufficient and had not been used as effectively as intended.
He said increasing the available penalty would provide local authorities with a stronger deterrent.
Under Rule 123 of the Highway Code, motorists should not leave a parked vehicle unattended with its engine running or leave an engine running unnecessarily while a vehicle is stationary on a public road.
Areas around schools have been identified as particularly concerning because of the potential exposure of children to vehicle emissions.
Hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and other healthcare facilities are also listed among locations where air pollution poses particular concerns.
Parents Divided Over New Fines
Some parents welcomed the measure, particularly those concerned about congestion and pollution during school drop-off and collection times.
One parent collecting children from Treganna School in Cardiff said traffic around the school had become extremely busy, making it difficult to leave the area during peak hours.
Another parent, Wendy Vernon-Fulook, said the higher penalty could encourage motorists to switch off their engines and promote walking where possible.
However, some parents questioned whether the rules would be effectively enforced.
Chiara Rinaldi said the principle behind the measure was sound but expressed doubts about enforcement during already chaotic school runs.
Another parent, Rhiannon Simmonds, said she understood the reasoning behind the measure but was uncertain whether a mandatory approach was the best way to address the problem.
Health Concerns Behind The Policy
Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said air pollution contributes to a range of health problems, including heart and lung disease.
She said children, older people and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
The new idling penalties follow a vote at the Senedd in March, when members approved the changes by 37 votes to 12, with no abstentions.
Welsh authorities will now have greater scope to penalise drivers who leave their engines running unnecessarily while stationary.
