Welsh drivers face fines of up to £150 from today for leaving their car engines running while parked

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026.

Wales has increased its fixed penalty for engine idling to between £75 and £150, up from the previous £20, with the changes taking effect on September 30. The Welsh Government notes that many drivers do not realise that running a stationary engine on a public road already constitutes an offence under Highway Code Rule 123. Officials say idling fumes are most harmful to children near schools and vulnerable people close to healthcare settings. The rise represents a sevenfold increase on the old maximum penalty.

Plaid Cymru cabinet minister Llyr Gruffydd said idling engines 'pump out fumes that people breathe in' and called switching off 'such a simple thing to do'.

Chief Medical Officer for Wales Professor Isabel Oliver warned air pollution contributes to heart and lung disease, with children and the elderly most at risk.

Local authorities across Wales are empowered to enforce the new fines, covering over a million drivers who regularly use Welsh roads.