Idling drivers could be fined £80 in London's Square Mile

Drivers who leave their engines on when parked in the Square Mile in London could be fined up to £80. 

The City of London's Planning and Transportation Committee has backed a plan to raise the maximum fine for idling, which had previously been limited under the Environment Act to £20 if paid on time.

The City Corporation is already leading a pan-London clampdown on idling engine drivers with Camden Council.

The project, funded by the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund, sees officers from 32 London authorities joining forces to target idling engine drivers.

The City Corporation has now approved the use of a Traffic Management Order to tackle engine idling in the Square Mile.

It will be enforced by 35 civil enforcement officers who are already patrolling the City’s streets to monitor traffic and parking contraventions.

They will initially issue warning notices to drivers, with the prospect of an £80 fine for non-compliance.

The City Corporation will also lobby the Department for Transport for new signage to be installed across the City to better educate drivers on the restriction and explore with London Councils the potential to increase the penalty to reflect the urgent need to improve air quality.