Vehicle Idling guidance Wales

The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (“the 2026 Regulations”) come into force on September 30^th. These replace the current £20 fixed penalty for a stationary idling offence with a penalty range of £75 - £150.  A Fixed penalty  may only be issued in respect of emissions, with the increased penalty reflecting the impacts unnecessary vehicle emissions can have on public health. However, the Welsh Government is mindful of the potential impacts that noise pollution can  have on well-being and local authorities are encouraged to consider integrating stationary idling enforcement activities into its wider local strategies for tackling air pollution and noise impacts.

The new draft guidance explains how stationary vehicle idling contributes to air pollution and noise and the circumstances needed for it to be considered an offence. It provides general advice and examples to local authorities on how they can develop and deliver local communications and initiatives to discourage stationary engine idling, and advice on the use of enforcement powers. It explores the typical locations and reasons for stationary idling, and contains reference material highlighting existing campaigns, toolkits, and examples of positive anti-idling initiatives from around the UK which may be useful when local authorities are considering the approach for their locality.

The Welsh Government says the increased penalty reflects the impacts unnecessary vehicle emissions can have on public health.

The consultation is open until December 4th

Stationary vehicle engine idling: local authority guidance | GOV.WALES