Staying Cool on the Road: Running Air Conditioning is Fine, But Parking is a Different Story
• Running air conditioning while driving is perfectly acceptable and can even be a great way to stay cool and alert. • However, leaving an engine idling to keep the air conditioning on while parked is not allowed and can have serious consequences.
As the UK basks in warm weather this week, many drivers are likely to reach for their air conditioning switches to stay cool. However, it’s essential to remember that running air conditioning while parked is a different story. While it may be tempting to leave the engine idling to keep the air conditioning on, especially if a friend or family member is just popping to the shops or if you have a young child asleep in the back, it’s a bad habit that can have serious consequences.
A Word of Caution from a Car Expert
“With most typical cars, the air conditioning system ceases to operate properly when the engine is turned off,” says Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing. “You can go from feeling crisp and cool to clammy and uncomfortable in a matter of minutes, particularly during the spring and summer months. But while it might be tempting to leave the engine idling while you’re parked, particularly if you’re waiting for a friend or family member to return, it’s a bad habit we all need to be mindful of.”
- Leaving an engine idling can produce up to double the emissions of a vehicle when they are travelling.
- It means the car will be pumping out unnecessary nitrogen oxide into the nearby environment, which can cause frustration among local residents.
- Invalid email addresses can result in a £20 fixed penalty notice.
- Failure to pay the fine can lead to additional penalties, including a £40 fine if the settlement is not paid within 28 days, and a £80 fine if the total is not paid within 14 days of the £40 notice.
The Dangers of Idling
| Consequences of Idling | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine | A £20 fixed penalty notice for leaving an engine idling. |
| Additional Fines | A £40 fine if the settlement is not paid within 28 days, and a £80 fine if the total is not paid within 14 days of the £40 notice. |
| Emissions | Up to double the emissions of a vehicle when travelling. |
| Environmental Impact | Unnecessary nitrogen oxide emissions into the nearby environment, causing frustration among local residents. |
What to Do Instead
So, what can you do instead of leaving your engine idling while parked? Here are a few suggestions:
• Turn off the engine when you’re not using it. • Use a car park or a designated parking area that allows idling. • Ask a friend or family member to turn off the engine while you’re inside the car. • Consider investing in a car battery that can hold a charge for a short period of time.
Conclusion
Don’t let hot weather fool you into thinking it’s okay to leave your engine idling while parked. Remember, running air conditioning while parked is not allowed and can have serious consequences.