Every pedestrian knows the frustration of battling through clouds of exhaust fumes pouring out of a car or lorry that is just standing idle by the side of the road.

Under a new scheme, drivers who keep their engines running while their vehicles are going nowhere could face on-the-spot £20 fines.

A pilot scheme is to be run in several British cities, to see if it is possible to cut vehicle emissions. If it is a success, the measure could become law across the country.

Car users who have their engines idling at the kerb, and coach drivers who spend long periods of time at the roadside, will all be liable for the fines. It is already an offence to leave a vehicle unattended with its engine running.

Police officers and traffic wardens will be able to make instant emission tests, and also impose fines on motorists whose vehicles are not up to environmental standards.

A spokeswoman for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions said: "The whole aim is to cut pollution and to bolster the environmental policy.

"It is something the Government has been thinking of for quite a long time and obviously the results of the pilot will be studied with interest."

She added: "Trained local authority staff, accompanied by police, will be able to do on-the-spot emission checks and cars and other vehicles left with their engines running for no good reason will also be liable for fines."

It is believed that wardens will first give drivers a warning and if they persist in leaving their engine running, they will be fined.
 

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