Anti-idling

What is idling?

Idling means leaving a vehicle's engine running while it is stationary.

While this is often because of everyday traffic, there are some instances – such as waiting for children outside schools and sitting in total gridlock – when idling is not necessary and should be avoided.

Why is idling bad?

Idling increases the amount of exhaust fumes from vehicles in the air.

These fumes contain a number of harmful gasses including carbon dioxide, which is bad for the environment and contributes towards climate change, as well as a range of other harmful gasses including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons which are linked to asthma and other lung diseases.

Can I get a fine for idling?

Bradford Council charge a £20 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for emission offences and stationary idling under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002.

However, it’s important to note that fines are imposed only if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine when asked to do so by an authorised person.

Is it illegal to engine idle outside schools?

Bradford Council has the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for engine idling if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine, regardless of the location.

The penalty is given as a result of rule 123 of The Highway Code, stating that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road.

Downloads

You can dowload our anti idling poster (PDF) if you want to start an awareness campaign outside your schoool or organisation.