Drivers who leave their engines running while parked face a fine of £150 from today in a bid to tackle air pollution.

From today, Wednesday, 30 September, the fixed penalty that local authorities can enforce for stationary idling will rise from £20 to between £75 and £150, reflecting the serious harm that vehicle emissions cause to air quality and public health.

The larger fines have been introduced by the Welsh Government.

Under Rule 123 of the Highway Code, drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Despite this, many drivers remain unaware that idling is an offence.

Idling creates air and noise pollution that contributes to a range of health problems, including heart and lung disease. Children, older people and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to its effects.

Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said: "We’re taking bold action to clean up our air and cut pollution, protecting health and improving the places where we live. That’s why we’re increasing the fine range for anyone who leave their engine running while parked.

"Idling engines pump out fumes that people breathe in, including children outside schools and vulnerable people outside healthcare settings. Switching off is such a simple thing to do, and we want to encourage everyone to get into the habit – whether you're outside a school, a doctor’s surgery, the shops, a train station or anywhere else."

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, said: "Air pollution is a serious public health issue, contributing to a range of conditions including heart and lung disease. Children, older people and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to its effects.

"Idling may seem like a small, everyday habit, but it adds up. Every time an engine is switched off rather than left running, we reduce the amount of harmful pollution in the air we all breathe, particularly around schools, hospitals and other places where vulnerable people spend time.

“I'd encourage everyone to make switching off a normal part of parking up for better health and avoid penalties."