Zero no-idling fines given out in Haringey

Research by the Liberal Democrats has uncovered that Haringey Council has not issued a single penalty notice for idling vehicles since the policy was brought in. The policy, which was introduced in late 2019, states that penalties of £20 – rising to £40 if not paid within 28 days – will be issued to drivers in Haringey who refuse to turn off their engines when told to do so by an enforcement officer.

Idling engines can emit twice as many emissions as an engine in motion, spewing toxic NO₂, CO₂ and particulates into the atmosphere. Taking action against idling was one of the key themes to come out of the council’s consultation on its Air Quality Action Plan.

The council received financial support from the Mayor of London to take anti-idling measures, including funding to support the enforcement.

Cllr Scott Emery (LD – Muswell Hill), Haringey Liberal Democrat spokesman for the Environment, said:

“London’s air quality is a scandal, and this inaction from the council is not good enough. Haringey Labour have made many promises on air pollution, but it is more obvious than ever that these were just empty words, when action was vitally needed."

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