In the UK, it is illegal to leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Doing this can incur a £20 fixed-penalty fine under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2002. This is only imposed if the driver fails to turn off their engine when asked to do so. The Greater Manchester local authorities are responsible for enforcing this.
As the enforcing officer has to give the driver the opportunity to switch off the engine first and the penalty for idling is relatively small, it isn’t often used as an effective deterrent.
At TfGM bus stations, we require drivers to turn off bus engines if they’re likely to be waiting for more than five minutes.
In addition, plans around idling enforcement are in development, as well as planning to launch more awareness raising campaigns to inform of the health impacts that idling has on air quality.
If a vehicle is causing a nuisance, this can be reported to your local council’s Environmental Health Department, you will need to provide full details, including registration, date, time and location.