Idling penalties for Wakefield drivers not imminent, council insists, despite approving new zones to tackle issue

The council has announced a crackdown on the practice, where motorists leave their engines running while their car is parked.

"No idling" zones will be set up outside local primary schools.

A motion put forward and passed by Labour at a meeting on Wednesday noted that councils are able to fine motorists £20 for idling.

But after the opposition Tory group criticised the prospect of drivers being penalised, Labour clarified that fixed penalty notices would not be dished out straight away.

Instead, an awareness campaign will be launched, alongside work with head teachers, parents and bus companies.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting, new Conservative councillor Akef Akbar said he would be strongly against fixed penalty notices.

He said: "It's a very draconian approach to start dealing with this issue by way of fines.

"Jumping straight in and trying to police this I think is wholly inappropriate.

"As a council we can't police simple matters such as littering. It needs a different approach."

Fellow Tory Nic Stansby suggested £20 fines for those unable to pay was "cruel" and wouldn't change the behaviour of drivers who could afford the fine.

But Labour insisted fixed penalty notices would not be introduced imminently.

The council's deputy leader, Jack Hemingway, said: "I think it's very clear from the motion that we'll be doing an awareness campaign.

"That's the first step.

"But at the end of the day, this is about children's health.

"10 seconds of idling costs more fuel than switching the car engine off altogether.

"It's bad for children, it's bad for the environment and it's also contrary to the Highway Code."

Local Democracy Reporting Service