Liberal Democrats support law to clamp down on vehicle idling

The Lib Dems have called on Surrey County Council to back a bill that would increase the fines for leaving vehicles idling and make it easier to levy fines.

During tomorrow's Full Council meeting, Councillor Will Forster will ask the Leader of Surrey County Council to call on the Government and Surrey's MPs to support the Vehicle Emissions (Idling Penalties) Bill.

This is a Private Members Bill put forward by Wera Hobhouse, who is MP for Bath and Lib Dem Spokesperson on the Environment and Climate Change, to increase penalties for stationary vehicle idling offences and grant local authorities increased powers to issue such penalties.

Lib Dem County Councillor for Woking South, Will Forster, said:

"An idling engine can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion, demonstrating that an idling engine contributes significantly to poor air quality. The Vehicle Emissions (Idling Penalties) Bill, would give local authorities increased powers to issue on the spot fines to drivers of idling vehicles and increase the penalties for drivers who repeatedly offend."

"During Surrey's last Full Council meeting in July, Councillors agreed to declare a climate emergency, tackling vehicle idling and air pollution is a key part of that. The people worst affected by air pollution are children. So, for the Lib Dems and I, there is no question that there is a a moral responsibility to act and I hope that Surrey agrees to back this bill."

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