Just NINE fines issued in Glasgow for excessive engine idling

The fixed penalty notices (FPNs) require motorists to pay £20 when caught sitting with their engines on unnecessarily.

Most of the FPNs are against bus and taxi drivers as well as other professional motorists.

Councillor Anna Richardson, the city’s environment convener, said: “The Scottish Government guidance is that enforcement is a last resort, so where idling is observed, officers will usually advise drivers of the law and provide them with materials to take away that enforces awareness.”

Engine idling was raised at a full meeting of Glasgow City Council by Conservative councillor Philip Charles.

An FOI revealed just a handful of fines had been issued, raising £180 for council coffers.

In 2017, three fines were issued; in 2016, one fine; in 2015, zero fines; in 2014, two and in 2013, three.

Councillor Paul Carey, former convener for environment in the last council, told how buses are the biggest offenders.

He said: “Engine idling is a big problem for Glasgow and buses are especially guilty.

“When they idle, oil drips out and it eats away at the compound. We tried to make buses help pay for repairs as they were the biggest offenders. 

“At the end of the day, we need the fine to act as a deterrent. However, if fined again it should be doubled and if a third time, their licence with the council should be brought into question, if they’re a bus or a taxi, for example.”

Ms Richardson added: “Tickets are most likely to be issued to professional drivers who should be well aware of the law or private motorists who are uncooperative with the requirement to switch off.”

“The majority of work in public health in idling involves responding to service requests about idling and officers visiting locations like schools where idling is reported.

“There they will speak to drivers and provide advice.

“Officers will also erect no idling signage at locations where idling is said to be an issue.”