Motorists in Wales face fines of up to £150 for idling
The Welsh government has increased fines for vehicle idling from £20 to a range of £75 to £150. The measure aims to reduce air pollution and protect public health, particularly around schools.
Why it matters
This policy reflects a growing trend of local governments using financial penalties to curb urban emissions and improve air quality in residential areas.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The previous punishment for idling was £20 and had not changed since its introduction in 2003
Drivers in Wales who leave their vehicle engine running while parked will face fines of up to £150 from Wednesday.
The change is part of a new measure by the Welsh government to try to reduce harmful pollution and to protect children's health.
The previous punishment for idling, as it is known, was £20, but that has now been raised to anywhere from £75 to £150, depending on circumstances.
The Welsh government said it hoped the increase would "change the habits of people who are polluting communities".
Llyr Gruffydd, cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability, said the £20 fixed fine for idling was "insufficient", and not being used "in the way everyone might envision it".
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