Richmond Council seeks to clear the air with consultation on new vehicle idling powers

Richmond Council is inviting residents to have their say on a proposed boroughwide trial that would strengthen practical enforcement against drivers who unnecessarily leave their engines running while stationary.

The consultation, which opens this week, forms part of the council’s bold and ongoing commitment to improving air quality across Richmond upon Thames. If implemented, the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) would give authorised officers the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to drivers who fail to switch off their engines when parked or waiting.

Currently, officers can only issue a Fixed Penalty Notice if a driver refuses to stop idling when asked. As a result, just one fine has been issued in the last six years, despite officers asking drivers to stop idling over 65,000 times. Without the real threat of a fine, drivers have little motivation to change their behaviour.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond’s Transport and Air Quality Services Committee, said:

“We’ve made significant strides in improving air quality in Richmond, but we know there’s more to do. Engine idling is a needless source of pollution, especially harmful to children, older people, and those with respiratory conditions.

“This proposed PSPO sends a clear message: clean air matters, and we’re prepared to act. I urge residents to take part in the consultation and help shape a healthier future for our borough.”

The proposal builds on Richmond’s award-winning Air Quality Action Plan 2024–2029, which was recognised with the ‘Air Quality Strategy of the Year’ award at the Fleet Vision International Awards earlier this year. The strategy sets some of the UK’s most ambitious targets, aligned with World Health Organization guidelines, and includes cutting engine idling near schools and level crossings.

Have your say

Residents can view the full PSPO proposal and complete the online survey.

The consultation will remain open until Tuesday 28 October 2025, with feedback helping to shape the final decision later this year.