Petrol and diesel habit should be ‘condemned to the dustbin’ amid calls for bigger fines

A common habit by petrol and diesel owners should be "condemned to the dustbin of history" as experts demand new fines for engine idling. Specialists are demanding that the punishment for leaving an engine running when parked up in Scotland should quadruple in a hefty rise.

A coalition of more than 20 organisations have written to Transport Scotland calling for fines to be increased from the current £20 rate to £80. Dr Shivali Fifield, chief officer at the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, was among those to sign the coalition letter. The expert suggested the current penalties are insufficient and merely a "toothless enforcement regime" that does not deter motorists.

Dr Fifield explained: "Engine idling exposes us to toxic exhaust fumes every single day, and like smoking in restaurants, is a habit that should be condemned to the dustbin of history.

"Yet despite public outrage, it continues unabated with a toothless enforcement regime that does nothing to deter offenders."

Officials appear ready to listen, with Glasgow City Council transport convener Angus Millar accepting that engine idling was a "significant issue".

He stressed that more "robust powers" were needed and even claimed the current rules were not harsh enough.

Angus added: "While engine idling remains a significant issue throughout our cities and towns, the limitations of Scotland's current enforcement guidance means councils are unable to provide an effective and lasting deterrent to this behaviour."

The RAC explains that fines issued for engine idling will only be imposed if a driver refuses to switch off their engine when asked to do so by an authority figure.

It means if drivers follow the instructions, they could avoid penalties altogether even if they’ve left their engine running for a while.

Engine idling is covered in the Highway Code with Rule 123 specifically stating individuals should always switch off their vehicle.

The Code reads: "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."