Engine idling fine to more than triple in Wales
Drivers could face fines of up to £150 for leaving their engines running while parked.
Drivers in Wales face a much bigger fine for leaving their engines running while parked from today.
The penalty for stationary idling is rising from £20 to between £75 and £150.
The Welsh Government says the move is aimed at cutting air pollution and protecting public health, particularly around schools, hospitals and other places where children and vulnerable people spend time.
Under Rule 123 of the Highway Code, drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, or leave an engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road.
The change was marked by Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister Llyr Gruffydd during a visit to Marshfield Primary School in Newport.
Pupils there have taken part in a Welsh Government-funded anti-idling project with Newport Council, including designing a banner encouraging drivers to switch off their engines.
The Welsh Government says idling contributes to air and noise pollution, which can increase the risk of health problems including heart and lung disease.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, is encouraging drivers to make switching off their engines a normal part of parking.
The new fine range comes into force from 30 September 2026.