Drivers face £80 fine for hot weather mistake many are unaware of

Motorists could be slapped with a hefty £80 fine for making a major mistake in hot weather this week. The UK is set to be basked with warm weather this week as temperatures sit in the mid-20s Celsius throughout the country.

However, after months of cold weather, the Spring heat may be too hot for many, with road users likely to reach for their air conditioning switches. Running air conditioning while behind the wheel is perfectly fine, and despite using a bit more fuel, the tool is a great way to stay cool and alert. But Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, has warned that road users may be unaware there are different rules when parked.

Leaving an engine idling to keep the air conditioning on is not allowed, with road users likely to feel the sting.

Graham said: “With most typical cars, the air conditioning system ceases to operate properly when the engine is turned off.

“You can go from feeling crisp and cool to clammy and uncomfortable in a matter of minutes, particularly during the spring and summer months.

“But while it might be tempting to leave the engine idling while you're parked, particularly if a friend or family member has just nipped to the shops or if you have a young child asleep in the back, it’s a bad habit we all need to be mindful of.

“Most motorists take a dim view of those who unnecessarily idle their engines and you risk a stern word from passersby.

“What’s more, it’s also an offence under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 act which could see you hit with a fine.”

Leaving an engine idling can produce up to double the emissions of a vehicle when they are travelling.

It means the car will be pumping out unnecessary nitrogen oxide into the nearby environment which can cause frustration among local residents.

Leaving an engine idling could see road users hit with a £20 fixed penalty notice.

This seems pretty harmless but the bill can slowly rise if motorists ignore the letter and refuse to pay up.

Fines can jump up to £40 if the settlement is not paid within 28 days with the penalty reaching £80 if the total is not paid within 14 days of the £40 notice.