Brighton and Hove: Motorists face fines of up to £40 for 'engine idling'

Fines of £40 for idling engines come into force on Tuesday in Brighton and Hove

Motorists in Brighton and Hove could be issued with up to £40 fines from Tuesday if they leave their vehicles running when parked up.

Authorities are hoping the measure will help improve the city's air quality.

An idling engine can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion, according to Brighton & Hove City Council.

The council has put up additional signs around the city and described the new measures as "extremely important".

It said fines could be issued for cars idling in a parking bay, taxi rank and on other parts of the road.

But an idling engine while sitting in traffic will not be treated as an offence, a city council spokesperson said.

The new measures were agreed by the council in June.

Fines will be issued by environmental enforcement officers and will be reduced to £20 if paid within 10 days.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, from Brighton & Hove City Council, 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."

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