Parents warned they could easily face fine when picking kids up from school

23 August 2023 , 10:12

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Parents might find themselves with a pesky fine thanks to this common mistake (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Summer holidays are still in full swing in England and Wales, but soon enough kids will be going back to school - and some parents will again have to re-start their pick-up and drop-off routine. But parents have now been warned they could easily face a fine when picking kids up from school if they make a common parking mistake.

With most children returning to school on September 4, the team at CarMats.co.uk have outlined how parents might get fined for the act of "idling" - which many might not realise could land them in trouble.

Ash Young, founder of the website, said: "The act of 'idling' is leaving a vehicle's engine running whilst the vehicle is not in motion, which pumps toxic carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air.

"Idling sometimes cannot be avoided, however, in many cases like waiting at the school gates, it can be prevented. Idling for just 10 seconds produces more fuel and emissions that contribute to climate change than stopping and re-starting your engine."

Idling is an offence according to the Road Traffic Regulations 2022, and means drivers caught doing it unnecessarily can be slapped with a £20 fixed penalty notice - which can double to £40 if not paid straight away. Some London boroughs have reportedly fined parents up to £80.

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Although pulling up to the school gates and leaving the car engine running while you wait might seem like a convenient option, the hazardous pollution that comes from the car can be dangerous to the health of children.

When he served as secretary of state, Chris Grayling said: "We are determined to crack down on drivers who pollute our communities by leaving their engines running, particularly outside school gates where our children are breathing in this toxic air. Putting a stop to idling is an easy way to drive down dangerously high levels of pollution, reducing its impact on the environment and our health."

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz