Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDrivers cooling down in stationary cars with the air conditioning on risk being fined under emissions laws. The RAC has warned that engine idling contributes to air pollution, making drivers susceptible to penalties. Standard fines for this offence are £40 from police or £80 from a civil enforcement officer, which are halved if paid quickly. Some local authorities, such as Islington Council in London, issue higher fines of £110 if drivers refuse to switch off their engines when requested. Plans announced by the Conservative government in 2019 to introduce higher fines for idling drivers were ultimately not implemented. In fullUK heatwave live: Extreme red weather warning comes into force as Britain hit by school closures and travel chaosThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in