H&F Council Brings in Fines for Idling Engines in November


18 month long experimental scheme aims to reduce air pollution

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is launching an experimental scheme introducing fines for motorists who leave their engines idling from Thursday 1 November.

These new powers form part of an experimental traffic order which will last 18 months from November.

The council says they will then be reviewed, and may be made permanent.

The council’s traffic wardens will now be able to issue a £40 PCN to motorists who have stopped with their engine idling in parking and loading bays, taxi ranks, or any roads where waiting is restricted. The fine will increase to £80 if not paid within 14 days.

The change aims to help tackle poor air quality in areas of
the borough where traffic pollution is highest.

“This is a major advancement in stopping motorists needlessly polluting our streets and helping us become the greenest borough in Britain," said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for the Environment.

" Previously, we could ask motorists to switch off, or face a £20 fine, which was not enough of a deterrent. So now we’re taking a harder line to help reduce the harm from air pollution to our residents.

“We’re particularly keen to reduce the effects of nitrogen dioxide on children in the borough, who are often at higher risk, due to being closer to the height of exhaust fumes."

H&F Council’s civil enforcement officers have previously worked with other organisations on several 'anti-idling action days' where council staff and local volunteers spoke to idling drivers asking them to switch off their engines.

In 2015, the council formed the residents-led Air Quality Commission to investigate the problem of air pollution in H&F, causes and dangers, and explore possible solutions.

You can read the findings in the commission’s report here.

October 23, 2018