Motorists face £40 fine for engine idling in Brighton and Hove

The fines aim to reduce air pollution

No idling sign in Rottingdean
Author: Jason BeckPublished 2nd Jan 2024

Drivers face a £40 fine for leaving their car engine running while they are in a parking bay in Brighton and Hove.

Fines will not be handed out to vehicles stopped in traffic, with the rule change intended to target drivers idling elsewhere, including in taxi ranks.

The penalty charge will be reduced to £20 if paid within 10 days.

Signs are already in place at level crossings, taxi ranks and in the centre of Brighton and Hove as well as in Rottingdean and Portslade.

More signs will alert drivers to turn off their engines when stationary.

The law allows council enforcement officers to issue a fixed penalty notice after approaching the driver of a stationary car with its engine running.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, said: "Improving the city’s air quality is extremely important, especially for those who suffer from long term respiratory conditions like asthma and lung disease.

"Enforcing engine idling is something we hope will deter motorists from releasing harmful emissions unnecessarily. We’re asking those parked up to switch off their engines and reduce air pollution."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.