Hounslow Council Plans £60 PCNs For Vehicle Idling
Consultation launched to authorise officers to carry out enforcement
Hounslow Council has launched a public consultation on vehicle idling as a first step toward prohibiting engine idling across the borough and authorising enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices while on patrol. The charge would be £60.
Hounslow's new Air Quality Action Plan pledges action on engine idling. While idling is already an offence, to carry out enforcement through the issue of penalty charge notices, it's required to for Hounslow Council to first publish an anti-idling Traffic Management Order (TMO).
The council says, "Vehicles idling while stationary cause unnecessary use of fuel, an increase in emissions and contribute to noise levels. In addition, guidance from health experts at the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that those who are very sensitive to harm from air pollution such as children, the elderly and those suffering from coronary or lung conditions need to be protected."
If progressed, this TMO will formally prohibit engine idling across the borough and allow enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices while on patrol. The applicable fine to the motorist would be £60, discounted to £30 if paid within 14 days.
Other boroughs such as Westminster have already introduced measures. Since July 2017, traffic marshals in Westminster City Council have issued on-the-spot fines for those idling in 'no idling' zones.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Workforce at Hounslow Council said, “The council is committed to fulfilling its statutory obligation to continue to explore new ways to improve air quality and anti-idling enforcement is an important part of our Air Quality Action Plan. Our commitment, coupled with engagement from local groups and communities, will create and deliver environmental improvements that are essential in safeguarding public health and quality of life.”
If you are unable to access the survey online and would like paper copies, please email: traffic@hounslow.gov.uk or call 0208 583 3322.
November 11, 2018