Brighton & Hove City Council is asking drivers to switch off their engines when parked up to help improve the city's air quality.
An idling engine can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion. Exhaust emissions contain a range of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.
From Tuesday, January 2, motorists could be issued with a £40 fine (also known as a Fixed Penalty Notice or FPN) if they leave their vehicles running when parked up.
This could be in a parking bay, taxi rank and other parts of the road, but doesn’t apply to sitting in traffic.
It was agreed at June’s meeting of the City Environment, South Downs & The Sea Committee that the council could begin issuing the FPNs to drivers for engine idling.
The council says this is to help improve the city’s air quality, help those suffering from long term health conditions such as asthma and support the city to reach carbon neutrality.
They've put up additional signage around the city – the fine is reduced to £20 if paid within 10 days.
How it works
If an Environmental Enforcement Officer witnesses a car idling, they’ll speak to the driver to let them know they’re committing an offence.
They’ll take the drivers details, including their registration number, and issue them with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
If the driver refuses to give their details or drives off, the council will contact Sussex Police to collect the details and the FPN will be sent in the post.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, chair of the City Environment, South Downs & The Sea Committee said:
“Improving the city’s air quality is extremely important, especially for those who suffer from long term respiratory conditions like asthma and lung disease.
“Enforcing engine idling is something we hope will deter motorists from releasing harmful emissions unnecessarily. We’re asking those parked up to switch off their engines and reduce air pollution.
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre
Section Of M25 To Close Again Tonight - As Drivers Warned Not To Get Complacent
Plans For 800 New Horsham Homes Refused
Over 200 Co-Living Flats Approved For Brighton