Liverpool considers fining idling drivers to reduce emissions

As part of its air quality plans, Liverpool City Council is considering giving council officers the powers to fine drivers who do not switch off their engines.

Anti-idling fixed penalty notices (FPNs) by local authority officers will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Friday (6 April), using powers under the Road Traffic (Vehicle emissions) (Fixed Penalty) Regulations.

Officers will be given the authority to issue a £20 FPN for any person who refuses to switch off their engine when requested, if the plans get approved.

This could then escalate to a £40 penalty if the driver fails to pay the fee within 28 days.

The council’s report says: “The Idling enforcement work would be carried out through existing enforcement programmes to raise awareness and reduce emissions and it is anticipated that most drivers will comply with the request removing the requirement to serve an FPN.

“It is not anticipated the introduction of this measure will derive significant income as the £20 FPN barely covers the costs associated with serving and administering it. Any small amounts raised will be reinvested into the awareness-raising work.”