Cooling in your car could have costly consequences

Drivers seeking to cool down by sitting in stationary vehicles with their air-con are running the risk of a fine for breaking vehicle emissions laws, the RAC is warning.

As temperatures peak this week – with a strong chance previous records for June will be beaten, according to the Met Office – many people will be looking for creative ways to keep cool. But remaining in a vehicle with its engine idling causes air pollution and is punishable with a fine of up to £110 for people who refuse to switch off after being asked.*

The driver doesn’t need to be in the vehicle for an offence to be committed – meaning those that leave their engines running to cool their cars before they set off for a journey could also be caught out.

The standard penalty for engine idling is a fixed penalty notice of £40 from a police officer, or a penalty charge notice of £80 from a civil enforcement officer. Both fines are halved if paid quickly.** But some councils including Islington and Westminster boroughs have used powers to impose larger fines of up to £110.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Air conditioning is a gamechanger in modern vehicles, making otherwise uncomfortable journeys by road a genuinely pleasant experience. We even advise those driving vehicles without air-con to consider delaying any non-essential trips this week until the heatwave passes.

“But while we’re all desperate to stay cool, just sitting in the car with the engine and air conditioning running and going nowhere isn’t advisable. Due to the air pollution this causes, you risk a fine from a police or civil enforcement officer.”

In 2019, a government consultation was set to be launched on introducing higher fines for drivers who idle, but this never took place.***

As the idling offence relates specifically to vehicle emissions and air quality, it is unlikely to be applied to drivers of electric vehicles, although there is no court precedent.

^* Islington Borough Council - £110 fine if not paid within 14 days, £55 if paid within 14 days. Source

^**Westminster Borough Council - £40 if not paid after 28 days, £20 if paid within 28 days. Source

^*** Idling drivers could face higher fines under new government crackdown. Source