Drivers warned common hot weather aircon mistake could trigger sudden £110 fine

Drivers warned common hot weather aircon mistake could trigger sudden £110 fine The continued hot weather can mean scorching temperatures inside vehicles but keeping them cool might prove expensive As summer temperatures continue to soar, with more record-highs expected, motorists have been warned that a common mistake when using their car’s air conditioning could result in a major fine and may force them to find other ways to cool down their vehicle when it’s at its hottest. The issue is due to anti-idling rules, which forbids drivers from running their engine unnecessarily while parked on a public road. It’s meant to help tackle roadside pollution and can trigger a fine even if the engine is only on to power the aircon unit. Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot, with motorists warned never to leave children, vulnerable adults or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a short time, as internal temperatures can rise dangerously quickly. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Sitting in a parked vehicle with the engine running simply to power the air conditioning could result in a penalty. Being inside the car does not automatically make idling acceptable. “The message is not to avoid using air conditioning while driving. It is to avoid leaving the engine running unnecessarily once you are parked, protecting yourself from an unexpected fine while also reducing wasted fuel and local pollution.” The temperature inside parked vehicles can quickly soar during the summer months, particularly if there’s no nearby shade to shield them from the sun. Mr Conway revealed some other ways motorists can keep their parked cars cool without risking a penalty notice. It will be easier to cool the inside of the car while you are travelling so make the most of this before having to stop and then switch the engine off. Parking in the shade or using a windshield sunshade can help keep temperatures down for a bit longer. Once you are stationary, opening the doors can allow hot air trapped inside the car to escape or head outside the car yourself if it’s safe to do so. Under the anti-idling rules, local authorities may be able to issue a fixed penalty notice although the value can vary between different councils. Generally, it starts at around £20 for motorists that continue idling even after being asked to switch off their engine. This fine can increase to £40 if it is left unpaid for too long. However, in some areas like Islington, the council confirmed drivers could face a £110, reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days. Mr Conway explained: “Drivers should not assume the penalty will always be only £20. In London especially, councils are under considerable pressure to reduce roadside pollution, so motorists could find idling rules enforced more firmly in known problem areas.” These rules do not apply if you’re sitting in ordinary traffic, waiting at lights, defrosting a windscreen or temporarily at a standstill because of traffic. In all of these situations, motorists are usually allowed to keep their engines running despite being stationary. He said: “Try to park in shade where possible, use a windscreen sunshade and open the doors briefly before getting inside to allow trapped hot air to escape. If you need to wait for somebody, it may be safer and more comfortable to leave the vehicle and find a shaded or air-conditioned building rather than sitting in a rapidly heating cabin.”