School-run parents face fines for idling engines

Parents caught leaving their engines running outside schools in Sheffield have been warned they face fines for the first time. Sheffield city council said parents idling near the school gates could be served with £20 on-the-spot penalties under “bold” plans to cut pollution.

A campaign will see “anti-idling” zones introduced outside 20 schools across Sheffield from September. The council is urging parents to switch off their engines while waiting for their children, particularly during peak drop-off and pick-up times.