Welsh Government wants to more than double fines for common traffic offence

Wales Online

2 days ago

Welsh Government wants to more than double fines for common traffic offence
They say the current penalty 'insufficiently reflects the seriousness of the potential risk'
The Welsh Government wants to let councils more than double the fine that can be issued to drivers who leave their engine running while stationary. Currently there is provision in the law for councils to fine drivers who fail to comply with a request from an authorised person telling them to running their vehicle engine while stationary on a public highway.
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Under 2003 regulations a stationary idling offence can only be committed in relation to emissions however Welsh Government say it is also taking account the potential impacts that noise pollution can have on people.
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The current fine is £20 but if not paid within a specified period that rises to £40. It comes after a major change with the 20mph law in Wales.
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However, in a consultation about air quality, the Welsh Government say they believe "the penalty amount of £20 insufficiently reflects the seriousness of the potential risk of pollution to public health and is too low to act as sufficient deterrence".
The consultation also says it wants to give Welsh councils the ability to set their own fines. "It is proposed to introduce a new penalty range and to provide local authorities with flexibility to determine a suitable penalty level to reflect local needs. The proposed range is £50 to £100, which would bring penalty amounts for this offence more in line with penalties for other environmental offences."
The consultation document reads: "Stationary engine idling, the practice of leaving an engine running when a vehicle is not moving, is an unnecessary contributor to air pollution and noise. It also wastes fuel and increases costs to drivers.
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"Idling can be a particular concern in some locations, such as outside schools where children may be disproportionately exposed to vehicle emissions, and to residents regularly impacted by noise.
"We believe that the penalty level insufficiently reflects the seriousness of the potential risk of pollution to public health and that the current fixed penalty level is set too low to act as viable deterrence.
"This amount was set in legislation more than 20 years ago and has not increased with inflation in that time. We believe that providing local authorities with flexibility to select a higher penalty amount for stationary engine idling will better enable them to undertake efficient and effective enforcement action to help reduce instances of the offence which in turn will help improve the air quality in your community." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
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It adds: "Our focus is on supporting and encouraging drivers and we see penalties as a tool of last resort."
As well as the consultation on statutory idling there is a second on a delivery plan about wider air quality proposals.
That consultation reads: "Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, nature, and the wider environment affecting both individuals and communities across Wales. Raising awareness of these impacts is crucial to empowering people to make informed choices that contribute to cleaner air and healthier surroundings."
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The focus of that plan is "national communication campaigns, educational resources, and guidance for local authorities to develop their own air quality awareness initiatives".
It adds: "By providing clear, accessible information, we hope to encourage positive action and reduce behaviours that contribute to pollution."
Welsh Government says it will give £575,000 over the next three years to help raise awareness and change behaviour.
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The consultation on air quality closes on September 30 while the one on idling finishes on October 28.