By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-30 12:11:03 | Updated at 2026-09-30 13:09:41
1 hour ago
Petrol and diesel drivers could be slapped with huge fines from today as the Welsh Government attempts to improve air quality.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that new rules for idling vehicles will be introduced today (September 30), with hefty new penalties on offer.
Drivers will now be fined between £75 and £150 for leaving their vehicle engine running while parked, an increase from the previous £20 penalty.
It said the new rules were being introduced to "reflect the serious harm that vehicle emissions cause to air quality and public health".
This is supported by Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Drivers are also prohibited from leaving an engine running unnecessarily when the vehicle is stationary on a public road.
The Highway Code states that if a vehicle is stationary and likely to remain so for more than a few minutes, the engine should be switched off.
It outlines that this is encouraged to reduce emissions and noise pollution, which has been highlighted by the Welsh Government.
Petrol and diesel drivers could face new fines for idling their engines
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However, the Highway Code permits drivers to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic, or when diagnosing faults.
Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said: "We're taking bold action to clean up our air and cut pollution, protecting health and improving the places where we live.
"That's why we're increasing the fine range for anyone who leaves their engine running while parked.
"Idling engines pump out fumes that people breathe in, including children outside schools and vulnerable people outside healthcare settings."
The Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability visited Marshfield Primary School in Newport to highlight the new rules
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Mr Gruffydd emphasised how easy it was for drivers to avoid a fine by turning their engines off, especially near schools, doctor's surgeries, shops and "anywhere else".
The Plaid Cymru MS for Clwyd visited Marshfield Primary School in Newport to join pupils taking part in an anti-idling project run with Newport Council.
Schoolchildren designed a banner encouraging drivers to switch off their engines, which is now displayed outside of the school.
The sign encourages drivers to "be part of the solution, not the pollution" along with illustrations of children protesting against a polluting car.
Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, encouraged all motorists to make turning their engines off a key part of their habits.
She continued, saying: "Air pollution is a serious public health issue, contributing to a range of conditions including heart and lung disease.
"Children, older people and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
"Idling may seem like a small, everyday habit, but it adds up. Every time an engine is switched off rather than left running, we reduce the amount of harmful pollution in the air we all breathe, particularly around schools, hospitals and other places where vulnerable people spend time."
