Motorists attempting to cool down during the heatwave in stationary vehicles with the air conditioning running risk fines under emissions laws, with the RAC warning that engine idling causes air pollution.
Standard penalties are £40 if issued by a police officer, or £80 from a civil enforcement officer, both halved if paid promptly. Some local authorities, however, impose larger fines.
In London, Islington Council enforcement officers issue £110 fines to those who refuse to switch off an idling engine after being asked.
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.
“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.
In 2019, the Conservative government announced plans to introduce higher fines for drivers who idle, but this never took place.
Lord Chris Grayling, then-transport secretary, said at the time that combating idling would be “an easy way to drive down dangerously high levels of pollution”.
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https://www.the-independent.com/travel/news-and-advice/uk-heatwave-cars-air-con-fine-b3002034.html