As schools across the UK reopen in September, parents are being warned about fines of up to £80 for idling their vehicles during drop-off and pick-up. Local councils are stepping up enforcement of anti-idling laws, which penalise drivers who leave their engines running unnecessarily while stationary on public roads.
Under Rule 123 of The Highway Code, drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or keep it running unnecessarily while stationary. Exceptions include being stuck in traffic or diagnosing faults. Fines typically start at £20, doubling to £40 if unpaid, but in some London boroughs, penalties can reach £80.
Ash Young, founder of 1dot, explained: 'Idling pumps unnecessary carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air. Outside schools, that means children are breathing in pollutants at the exact moment they're most exposed.' Air pollution can harm children's development, increasing risks of respiratory problems like asthma and affecting concentration.
Many schools are introducing School Street schemes, which impose timed restrictions on surrounding roads during drop-off and collection hours. With fuel prices high—unleaded petrol averaging 134.64p per litre—idling also wastes money. Studies show that ten minutes of idling daily can use enough fuel over a year to fill an entire tank.
To avoid fines and save fuel, parents are advised to turn off engines when stationary for more than 30 seconds, have children ready before arriving, or park a short distance away and walk. Many councils offer park-and-stride locations to support safer, healthier school runs.
