Parked Cars Running Air-Con Face £110 Fines

Motorists looking to escape the heat by sitting in parked cars with the engine and air conditioning running are being reminded that doing so could result in a penalty under anti-idling regulations.

The warning comes from the RAC, which says leaving a vehicle’s engine running while stationary contributes to unnecessary air pollution. Depending on who issues the penalty, drivers could face a £40 fine from police or an £80 penalty from a civil enforcement officer, with both typically reduced by half if paid promptly.

Some councils have adopted stricter enforcement measures. In London, for example, Islington Council can issue fines of up to £110 to drivers who refuse to switch off their engines after being asked by enforcement officers.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis acknowledged that air conditioning has become an important comfort feature during periods of extreme heat. However, he stressed that drivers should avoid using it while parked with the engine running solely to stay cool.

He also advised motorists without air conditioning to postpone non-essential journeys during the current heatwave whenever possible, rather than remaining in stationary vehicles with the engine idling.

The issue has been under discussion for several years. In 2019, the UK government proposed increasing penalties for engine idling as part of efforts to reduce air pollution, although the plans were never implemented. At the time, then Transport Secretary Chris Grayling described tackling unnecessary idling as a straightforward way to help cut harmful emissions.