The mercury is set to soar to record-breaking heights as a 'heat-dome' brings exceptional temperatures to Western Europe, with parts of England and Wales bracing themselves for potentially life-threatening heat. As the UK swelters in its worst heatwave this year, drivers who idle their engines could face fines up to £110, prompting warnings from motoring groups and environmental experts.
The warning comes as the Met Office extends an amber warning for extreme heat, covering eastern and central England for Friday, with forecasters predicting temperatures of 40C or higher in some areas. Grahame Madge, a spokesperson for the Met Office, confirmed that further updates might be necessary as the forecast evolves.
Rod Dennis, a senior policy officer at the RAC, highlighted the benefits of air conditioning but cautioned against its use in stationary vehicles due to the potential for air pollution and fines. He suggested that drivers without air conditioning might consider postponing non-essential trips until the heatwave subsides.
Plans to introduce higher fines for idling drivers were announced by the Conservative government in 2019, with then-transport secretary Lord Chris Grayling describing it as an 'easy way' to tackle pollution. Although these plans remain unimplemented, some local councils have already taken matters into their own hands, imposing stricter measures on drivers who refuse to switch off idling engines.
The extreme heat is expected to impact public health, critical infrastructure, and power and water supplies, with an anticipated increase in water safety incidents as more people seek relief near coasts, lakes, and rivers. While some regions will experience varying degrees of heat, the most extreme temperatures are forecast for central and eastern England and parts of Wales.
Drivers caught idling their engines face significant fines under existing emissions regulations, with a police officer able to issue a £40 fine and a civil enforcement officer an £80 penalty. These amounts are halved if paid promptly, but some councils have introduced stricter measures, including Islington Council in London, which imposes a £110 fine for drivers who refuse to switch off idling engines after being asked.