Currently reading: Motorists face £20 fines
Motorists risk getting a £20 fine if they leave their car running while stopped at level crossings

Leave your engine running when your car’s stationary and you could be in for a nasty surprise. West Sussex County Council is working on a scheme that will give traffic wardens the power to fine drivers who leave their car engines running at level crossings.

The council has been keen to emphasise that the proposal is in an exploratory phase. “This is just an investigation at this stage, ” said a council spokesman, going on to say that the “the fixed penalty would probably be £20.”

There are two air quality zones in Shoreham, the site of the proposed scheme. The council is promoting TrafficWise Week, a national campaign to encourage people to think about the pollution they cause.

From 22 to 28 September people can make an online pledge at www.westsussex.gov.uk/travelwise to be more envirnmentally friendly. The winner will receive a £150 prize.

Join the debate

Comments
16
Add a comment…
RobotBoogie 24 September 2008

Re: Motorists face £20 fines

Seeing as it's currently costing me £85 to fill up my car, I can't see that a £20 fine is going to influence my behaviour much. However, there is a hidden point that bears a little more discussion - why aren't motorists encouraged to turn off their engines more often when they are stationary? In traffic jams, for instance?

richold 24 September 2008

Re: Motorists face £20 fines

Autocar wrote:
“This is just an investigation at this stage, ” said a council spokesman, going on to say that the “the fixed penalty would probably be £20.”

Where I live (Worthing in gone mad West Sussex) its a pity the County Council doesn't concentrate a bit more about the terrible state of the pavements (which are breaking up and overgrown with weeds so that they are a hazard to walk along) and ever increasing obscure road markings and road narrowing schemes and now this latest hairbrained dictatorial scheme. Incidently for those that dont know West Sussex isn't a loony leftish council its a gone bonking bananas centre right mish mash.

blowerbentley 23 September 2008

Re: Motorists face £20 fines

He still hasn't explained why he thinks switching off your engine while waiting at a level crossing has any impact on road safety.

We're all, presumably, experienced drivers. Surely we already switch off our engines while waiting for a long time in a queue for say, roadworks?

This is a good idea if it stops reps sitting (or even sleeping as I've seen) in their cars with the engine running at motorway services. And then there's coach drivers who seem to think its illegal to turn their engine off in any circumstances. Even the most economical car does 0mpg when stationary with the engine running.