Issue - meetings

Cabinet discussed the adoption and implementation of anti-idling legislation. The delegation of these powers to enforcement officers would enable Fixed Penalty Notices to be issued where a warning had already been given and ignored. The powers would enable the Environmental Protection team to carry out anti-idling campaigns around schools within Air Quality Management Area(s). The focus would be on education and raising public awareness rather than enforcement. However where advice would have been ignored and the driver would have refused to comply with a request, this legislation would enable Council officers to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Air quality had improved across Thanet in the last five years. There had been no exceedances of national air quality objectives across the district during this period. However, a precautionary AQMA was declared in Ramsgate last June and an Action Plan was currently being developed which would include improvement measures to ensure Thanet continued to comply with national air quality objectives. Anti-idling enforcement would be just one tool within the Action Plan to enable greater focus in key areas and behavioural change campaigns. Thanet District Council was committed to improving the environment for local residents and reducing health inequalities often associated with air pollution.

The following councillors spoke under Council Procedure Rule 20.1:

Councillor Pugh;

Councillor Will Scobie;

Councillor Garner;

Councillor Davis;

Councillor Bambridge.

Cabinet agreed the following:

1. To approve the implementation and enforcement of provisions relating to anti idling as laid down by the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002;

2. To delegate authority to the Director of Environment to authorise relevant officers or persons to stop the commission of stationary idling offences and issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in respect of such offences, in accordance with Regulation 6(3) of the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002;

3. The Fees & Charges for 2024/25 to be varied to reflect this decision; with new charges for Vehicle Emissions Fixed Penalty Notices of £20, rising to £40 if not paid within 28 days.