Drivers sent winter driveway fine warning over common mistake

Richard Guttridge
·2-min read
Car expert and CEO Peter Waddell from BigWantsYourCar.com highlights the lesser-known driveway parking rules that many drivers may unknowingly violate and risk hefty penalties.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


UK drivers have been told about a common mistake they must not make on their driveways during the winter months. While it may be tempting to start up the car on an icy morning and leave the engine running while it warms up and the windscreen clears, motorists have been urged never to do this for two main reasons.

Firstly, it creates the risk of their car being stolen. Every winter, there are cases of cars being nicked after they have been left idling - when the engine is running - on driveways with opportunistic thieves on the lookout for easy targets. And police have warned people never to leave their car running while unattended.

Other risks include the potential for accidents if the engine is running. Idling is also a little-known traffic offence.

READ MORE: Drivers of these popular family models will see car tax double from April

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You might think it unlikely you would be fined for leaving your car running on your own driveway but it's not impossible. Idling is banned because of the harmful impact of emissions on the environment.

There have been particular crackdowns around schools and £20 fines are possible for those who fail to heed warnings. It's believed these fines could be increased in the coming years in a bid to get the message across. A spokesperson from Swansway Motor Group said: "Idling creates concentrated pollution, which is especially harmful in areas with high pedestrian activity, near schools and in residential areas.

"With higher fines, drivers are encouraged to make thoughtful choices about turning off their engines whenever it’s safe to do so.” They added: "A higher penalty would remind drivers of the environmental and health risks associated with idling. As autumn settles in, we should all try to avoid idling as it directly impacts our air quality.”

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