Purpose

To give vehicle anti-idling
powers to council enforcement officers to enable Fixed Penalty
Notices to be issued where a warning has been ignored. These powers
will facilitate anti-idling campaigns around schools within Air
Quality Management Area(s), providing education and raising public
awareness rather than enforcement but where advice has been ignored
and the driver has refused to comply with a request will enable
Officers to issue an FPN.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following:
 
1. To approve the implementation and
enforcement of provisions relating to anti idling as laid down by
the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England)
Regulations 2002;
 
2. To delegate authority to the
Director of Environment to authorise relevant officers or persons
to stop the commission of stationary idling offences and issue
fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in respect of such offences, in
accordance with Regulation 6(3) of the Road Traffic (Vehicle
Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002;
 
3. The Fees & Charges for 2024/25
to be varied to reflect this decision; with new charges for Vehicle
Emissions Fixed Penalty Notices of £20, rising to £40
if not paid within 28 days.

Reasons for the decision

The implementation of this legislation and
authorisation of officers will enable a greater awareness of the
issues arising from leaving vehicle engines running to be made and
potentially an improvement in air quality in local areas.
 
In addition, implementation of the legislation
supports the actions within the forthcoming Air Quality Action Plan
and Net Zero Strategy.

Alternative options considered

Cabinet not to approve the use of these powers
and not to authorise officers or appropriate persons to issue FPNs.
This is not recommended as an option as it will not yield the
advantages associated with the implementation of this
legislation.