Hot Cars Could Cost UK Drivers £110

UK drivers trying to cool down during the heatwave could be fined if they sit in a stationary vehicle with the engine and air conditioning running. The RAC has warned that unnecessary idling adds to air pollution, even when temperatures make car journeys uncomfortable. The warning comes as parts of England and Wales face exceptional heat, with official advice urging people to avoid the strongest sun.

What Drivers Need to Know

• Issue: idling in a stationary vehicle to run air conditioning
• Applies to: public roads, including parked or waiting vehicles
• Standard penalties reported: £40 or £80, usually reduced for prompt payment
• Islington fine: £110 if a driver refuses to switch off after being asked
• Exception: vehicles stopped because of traffic or checking faults
• Heat risk: amber warnings cover parts of England and Wales

Under the Highway Code, drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or keep it running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. Officers can ask drivers to switch off, and fines often follow only if they refuse. The Met Office has warned that the heat can affect health, transport, power and water supplies during the hot spell.

Road trips, airport runs and days out can still go ahead, but plans need tweaking. Drivers heading to beaches, lakes, country parks or city attractions should cool the cabin while moving, park in shade where possible and use proper rest stops rather than sitting with the engine running. In dense city centres, rail or bus links may be a safer choice.

Running the engine just to keep the air con on might seem harmless when the car feels like an oven, but it can still lead to a fine. The safer plan is less glamorous but smarter: travel earlier or later, park in shade, carry water and avoid sitting in traffic at the hottest part of the day.