Sheffield residents offer views on anti-idling fines

More than 1,000 Sheffield residents have offered their views on the city council’s proposed crackdown on engine idling around schools, hospitals, care homes and other urban locations.

Sheffield city council is considering action to tackle vehicle idling

Sheffield city council launched a consultation into the potential introduction of byelaws that would establish ‘no-idling’ areas in the city in July, with final submissions due by the end of the day today (31 August).

Under the plans, drivers who fail to switch off their engines in the no-idling areas could be fined for failing to do so.

Views are being sought from residents on the measure, which was one of a host of recommendations put forward for local authorities to tackle air pollution in guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) earlier this summer.

Consultation

Conclusion of the consultation will be followed by a public meeting with a date to be decided shortly. More than 1,100 responses have been submitted as part of the consultation to date.

Commenting on the responses, Councillor Jack Scott, cabinet member for transport and sustainability at Sheffield city council, said: “I’m really pleased to see that so many people have responded to the consultation and share our passion to make Sheffield cleaner and greener, and eliminate needless idling from our streets.

“Polluted air is a major public health hazard in many parts of the country, particularly affecting the very young and very old in our city.

“There’s simply no reason for drivers to leave engines idling at any time, but especially near schools, care homes and hospitals.

“I’m delighted that there has already been such a strong public endorsement for the robust approach we are proposing. I want everyone to have their say in the limited time left, so please get involved.”