Drivers in Wales could face £150 fine for idling while parked

Drivers who leave their engines running while parked could face fines of up to £150 after a vote in the Senedd.

Fines of £20 can already be issued for idling while stopped at the roadside, but councils will get powers to set fines from £75 to £150.

The Welsh government says it will reduce harmful pollution and protect the health of children.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies denied claims by the Conservatives and Reform UK that the fines were "anti-motorist".

"It's pro-good health. It's pro-children. It's pro-vulnerable populations", Irranca-Davies said during a Senedd debate.

"Evidence is crystal clear that traffic-related air pollution is linked to a number of health impacts."

He added: "The case for taking action on idling for the benefit of public health is demonstrably strong."

The money raised will have to be spent on enforcing fines, improving air quality and reducing exposure to traffic emissions.

The £20 fine has not changed since its introduction in 2003.

The Welsh government says it wanted to "more closely align idling fines with those for other environmental offences and provide local authorities with a more effective tool to discourage idling".

But bigger fines sends "a very clear message that drivers are just an easy target for this government", Tory MS Sam Rowlands said.

Reform MS James Evans said his party also opposed the penalty increase, calling it "excessive and unjustified".

But Labour MS Jenny Rathbone said she "politely asked" people to turn off their engines, but some "become abusive and refuse to do it".

"So £150 is the minimum in my view that should be paid where somebody refuses to turn off and is not understanding this is a major public health issue," she said.

MSs passed the new rules, with 37 politicians voting for and 12 against. There were no abstentions.