YOU have told us your views on proposals to launch an anti-idling campaign in Reading, which could see motorists fined for refusing to turn off their engines.

Last week the Chronicle revealed that Reading Borough Council wants to launch the educational campaign, which would also give officers the authority to fine people who refuse to turn off their engines when asked to do so.

The campaign, if approved, will target people who are sat idle in their vehicles for more than a minute.

The Chronicle asked readers what they thought about the idea, and we received plenty of mixed responses.

Facebook user Gems Knight said: "I was told by Green Flag its best to leave your car running than keep turning it off and on. It's not good for the engine. It's fine for the newer vehicles but not for older vehicles. We can't all afford new vehicles. Absolutely crazy idea."

Her thoughts were echoed by Martin Harris, who added: "It will use more fuel to keep stopping and starting and it won't help people with black telematics boxes as it will count as many short journeys."

Anne Lancaster praised the idea however, she said: "Anne Lancaster Air pollution, traffic and climate change are real problems that we need to tackle. If you've ever walked or cycled past stationary traffic, you're very aware of breathing in fumes, fumes that other car drivers also breathe in. I welcome attempts to highlight this problem by RBC."

The proposals will be discussed at a meeting in the council's civic offices on Wednesday (November 23).

Tony Page, RBC's lead member for transport, added: “Keeping an engine running when stationary contributes to harmful emissions which have a direct impact on health, particularly people with asthma or heart and lung condition.

“The idea is to focus on hotspot areas where we commonly see engines left idling, like outside schools, near construction sites or at taxi ranks.

"This is primarily an education campaign however, and I’d emphasise penalty notices would only be issued in rare circumstances where people refuse to switch off their engines when asked to, or continually leave engines running."