A coalition of more than 20 organisations is calling for engine idling fines in Scotland to be quadrupled from £20 to £80.
The group, which includes health bodies, environmentalists, teachers and parents, has written to Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop urging stronger penalties.
They argue the current fine system is a “toothless enforcement regime” that does “nothing to deter offenders”.
The campaign aims to reduce pollution from vehicle emissions, citing serious concerns about air quality and its impact on public health.
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Drivers could be slapped with hefty fines amid calls for improved enforcement of idling
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Local authorities have had powers to fine drivers since 2003, but campaigners say these need strengthening.
Gareth Brown, policy and public affairs officer at Asthma and Lung UK, warns that car emissions are deadly, noting that poor air quality contributes to up to 2,700 premature deaths each year in Scotland.
He explained that pollution “creates new lung conditions, worsens existing ones leading to an increase in hospitalisations and is linked to lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and stunted lung growth in children”.
Brown highlighted the specific dangers in vehicle exhaust, which contains “dangerous toxins such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter”.
He added: “It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our children. No one should be forced to breathe in harmful pollutants.”
Data from Asthma and Lung UK reveals a stark enforcement gap in the current system, with 1,158 complaints about engine idling logged with 20 different councils between 2020 and 2024.
Despite this, just a single fine had been issued nationwide, reinforcing the concerns of the coalition calling for new driving laws.
Dr Shivali Fifield, chief officer at the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, who signed the letter, said: “Engine idling exposes us to toxic exhaust fumes every single day, and like smoking in restaurants, is a habit that should be condemned to the dustbin of history.
“Yet despite public outrage, it continues unabated with a toothless enforcement regime that does nothing to deter offenders.”
Mike Corbett, from teaching union NASUWT, emphasised that exhaust fumes can have a “long-lasting impact” on children and urged drivers to switch off their engines around schools.
Glasgow City Council transport convener Angus Millar also called for “more robust” powers to address the issue effectively.
“While engine idling remains a significant issue throughout our cities and towns, the limitations of Scotland’s current enforcement guidance means councils are unable to provide an effective and lasting deterrent to this behaviour,” Millar said.
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The Scottish Government responded to the calls by highlighting the country’s air quality standards, with a spokesperson saying it was “determined to go further”.
The spokesperson added: “All local authorities in Scotland have legal powers to request drivers of parked idling vehicles, including buses and taxis, to switch off their engines, and to issue a fine if such a request is refused.”
