The measure, which will trialed for 18 months, wants to lower levels of air pollution in the borough.
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Hammersmith and Fulham Council are using new powers to enforce fines on drivers who leave their engines running.
Coming into effect today, traffic wardens can issue a £40 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to drivers.
It applies to those who’ve left their engine idling in parking bays, taxi ranks and roads where waiting is restricted.
The fine doubles to £80 if not paid within 14 days.
The measure, which will trialed for 18 months, wants to lower levels of air pollution in the borough.
It follows a King’s College London report that looked into nitrogen dioxide deaths in London.
The research found that Hammersmith and Fulham has the capital’s eighth highest percentage of early deaths caused by the gas, estimating that nitrogen dioxide contributes to the early deaths of 203 residents per year.
Previous action
In 2015 the council formed the residents-led Air Quality Commission to investigate the problem of air pollution in Hammersmith & Fulham.
While in October 2016 it released a report looking at causes, dangers and explored possible solutions to air pollution.
Professor Derek Clements-Croome, a member of the commission, believes the fine could improve residents’ health.
“The fine may in the long-term end up helping those with respiratory problems and those with sensitivities to pollutants in our air,” he said.
But there could be resistance to the fine from those likely to idle their engine, that as a result targets delivery and taxi drivers.
“The fine may stop me from coming to Hammersmith Apollo, where I get a lot of customers. The fine just isn’t worth the cost of driving,” explained Ahmed Mohammed, an Uber driver from South London.
Following the 18-month period, the council will review the experimental scheme and if considered successful it could be made permanent.
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HeadlineHammersmith & Fulham Council starts trialing idling pollution fine
Short HeadlineH&F Council starts trialing idling pollution fine
StandfirstThe £40 penalty is part of the council’s drive to become the greenest borough in Britain.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council are using new powers to enforce fines on drivers who leave their engines running.
Coming into effect today, traffic wardens can issue a £40 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to drivers.
It applies to those who’ve left their engine idling in parking bays, taxi ranks and roads where waiting is restricted.
The fine doubles to £80 if not paid within 14 days.
The measure, which will trialed for 18 months, wants to lower levels of air pollution in the borough.
It follows a King’s College London report that looked into nitrogen dioxide deaths in London.
The research found that Hammersmith and Fulham has the capital’s eighth highest percentage of early deaths caused by the gas, estimating that nitrogen dioxide contributes to the early deaths of 203 residents per year.
Previous action
In 2015 the council formed the residents-led Air Quality Commission to investigate the problem of air pollution in Hammersmith & Fulham.
While in October 2016 it released a report looking at causes, dangers and explored possible solutions to air pollution.
Professor Derek Clements-Croome, a member of the commission, believes the fine could improve residents’ health.
“The fine may in the long-term end up helping those with respiratory problems and those with sensitivities to pollutants in our air,” he said.
But there could be resistance to the fine from those likely to idle their engine, that as a result targets delivery and taxi drivers.
“The fine may stop me from coming to Hammersmith Apollo, where I get a lot of customers. The fine just isn’t worth the cost of driving,” explained Ahmed Mohammed, an Uber driver from South London.
Following the 18-month period, the council will review the experimental scheme and if considered successful it could be made permanent.
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