DRIVERS IN HACKNEY will be fined £80 if they needlessly let their engines idle after being asked to switch them off. The penalty, a rise from the standard possible fine of £20, becomes effective today.

Motorists who refuse to turn their engine off after being asked will be given the £80 notice. 

Hackney has acted determinedly to minimise motor pollution. About 10,000 people a year are believed to die prematurely from London’s petrol and diesel fumes.

Sustainability councillor Jon Burke said the council was “working to rebuild a greener Hackney in the wake of the pandemic, with new low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 40 School Streets [vehicle-entry restrictions] to support people to walk and cycle as public transport capacity remains low [to] help to secure the cleaner, greener city we witnessed during lockdown”.

Council enforcement officers, and volunteers, will be trained to explain to motorists the dangers of leaving an engine running unnecessarily while parked. Environmentally aware Hackneyites will welcome the crackdown but, in the wake of complaints about Hackney’s LTNs, dedicated motorists will see the £80 fine as another blow to their right to drive — whatever the cost to society.

David Altheer 081020

* Backstory: Hackney limo glides on, regardless of austerity; Arrest that idling, orders Met; Hackney means green; Tailgating at a Hackney supermart; Bollards! Keeping cars off a Hackney path; Enough of dirty Dalston. Pictures © DavidAltheer @gmail. com. All for sale via that eddress.

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