21-06-2025
Drivers warned that trying to stay cool this weekend could see them fined
Motorists should be wary when using their air conditioning in the hot weather
Drivers are being warned that keeping their air conditioning on by leaving their car engine running could land them in the trouble. Drivers could be fined £40 if they are caught breaking The Engine Idling Law under Rule 123 of The Highway Code .
The Driver and the Environment' law states that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road. And with temperatures heating up, drivers are being reminded not to leave their engines running idle.
Richard Evans, Head of Technical Services at webuyanycar, an online car-buying service, said: 'Idling is the act of leaving the engine of a vehicle running unnecessarily. For example, if you're picking someone up from school and you wait outside with the engine on the whole time, this would be classified as idling.
'Also known as stationary idling, Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits leaving your engine on when it is not needed. This act enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states 'you must not leave a vehicle's engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.
'If you do leave your engine idle, you could face a fine. There aren't many exceptions to engine idling. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, it would be expected that you would turn your engine off as you aren't going anywhere.
"On a warm day, keeping the air conditioning on by leaving the engine running may seem like a valid reason, but unfortunately, it is not. One of the few valid reasons to leave your engine idling while you aren't driving is if you need to defrost your windscreen on a cold morning. However, you shouldn't leave the car unattended while you do so.
'If you think you're likely to be waiting for more than a minute, it's best to just turn the engine straight off. If you're loading or unloading goods, waiting at car parks, laybys or pick-up points, turn the engine off too."
Car owners can take several steps to keep their car cool before driving, especially on warmer days
Use a sunshade: Placing a windshield sunshade inside the front window can block direct sunlight and reduce the temperature inside the car. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep the area cool.
Open the windows slightly: Leave the windows slightly open (if safe to do so) allows hot air to escape. This helps release the trapped heat and keeps the inside temperature from soaring.
Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park the car in a shaded area. Trees, buildings, or structures can provide some relief from direct sunlight and help keep the car cooler.
Use reflective window covers: Reflective covers for the side windows can reduce the amount of heat entering the car from all sides, not just the front.
Cover the Seats: Leather and vinyl seats can get incredibly hot. Using seat covers or investing in a cooling seat cushion can help make sitting in the car more comfortable.
Park with the front facing the sun: When possible, park with the front of your car facing the sun and the back of the car facing the shade. This helps heat escape through the rear of the vehicle, which may be less insulated than the front.
