The Regulatory Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, to discuss and approve the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle idling vehicles. The committee agreed to delegate responsibility for delivering the scheme and approved the proposed level of fixed penalty notices.

Introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order to Tackle Idling Vehicles

The committee reviewed the responses to a public consultation on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at reducing unnecessary vehicle idling. Jason Andrews, Environment Health Pollution Manager, explained that tackling idling is a priority for the borough as part of its award-winning Air Quality Action Plan, which has set some of the strictest air quality targets in the UK. He highlighted that internal combustion engines are a major source of nitrogen dioxide pollution in the borough, and idling vehicles contribute significantly to this problem.

The public consultation, which ran for 10 weeks, received 814 responses, with 92% from residents. The majority of respondents were aware of the health risks associated with idling vehicles and had personally experienced the issue. There was strong support for the implementation of a PSPO, with 65% of respondents agreeing it was reasonable and justified. However, around 30% of respondents expressed concerns, including that the measure might be a revenue-raising scheme rather than a genuine effort to improve air quality, or that it could lead to overzealous enforcement.

Alex Moylan, Assistant Director of Finance and Performance, outlined the proposed enforcement approach, emphasizing a balanced and fair implementation. The scheme will initially focus on high-priority areas such as schools and level crossings. He assured the committee that there would be no financial incentives for enforcement officers to issue fines, and the primary objective is to achieve compliance and improve air quality.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding potential overzealous enforcement. Councillor James Chard, Vice-Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, acknowledged these concerns and drew parallels with the council's approach to school streets, where investment in infrastructure was used to increase compliance and reduce fines. He stressed that the focus would be on a targeted and proportionate approach to reduce idling and make switching off engines second nature.

Discussions also covered the practicalities of enforcement, including exceptions for vehicles needing to run their engines for essential functions, such as refrigeration or defrosting to ensure safety. It was clarified that enforcement would primarily occur on public highways and that officers would use body-worn cameras, with a minimum observation period of two minutes before issuing a fixed penalty notice. The proposed fine for not paying a penalty charge notice is £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days, with a potential maximum fine of £1,000 if the matter goes to court. The committee noted that a proposed change in national legislation could increase this maximum to £500.

The committee resolved to review the consultation responses, consider the proposed enforcement approach, and delegate responsibility to the Executive Director of Resident Services to deliver the scheme. They also agreed to approve the proposed level of fixed penalty notices. The implementation of the PSPO will require full council approval, which is scheduled for 2 December 2025. The PSPO will be in effect for three years unless extended or discharged earlier.

The council's commitment to tackling air pollution is further detailed in its Air Quality Action Plan¹, which aims to meet strict air quality targets in line with World Health Organization guidelines. The introduction of this PSPO is a key commitment within that plan.