The Jury: Should drivers be fined for idling in Reading?

There would be many valid objections if this was an absolute ban on engine idling, such as protection from the cold, or demisting the car or you have an older car that wouldn’t like switching on and off repeatedly, but it's not. The small fine is only applicable if you are idling without good reason. Rather than sit in your car outside the school, scanning social media, with your engine idling, get out there and chat to someone.

Roger Pett

It depends on the time and circumstances. If there was an accident it is perfectly feasible. If someone is just stopped at the traffic lights then they are going from the sublime to the ridiculous. You'd get a flat battery if you kept turning your engine on and off.

Mian Kamal Saleem

Im not sure how this would work...in fact, it could potentially lead to an increase in traffic, which is the last thing Reading needs. I agree that something should be done to tackle the pollution problem. However, I feel fining idling motorists is the wrong way to go about it.

Suzannah James

Reading Borough Council try and make money from everything they possibly can. Maybe if they sorted out the traffic light timings the traffic flow wouldn't be so shoddy. I'm also still very bitter about the car park opposite our house by the park that used to be free. They then made it pay and display and super expensive. Now it is literally always empty. Whereas before loads of people used to park there.Any excuse to fine someone and they'll do it.

Charlotte Bernard

No they shouldn't be fined. I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. If you're just dropping off or picking up why would you need to keep switching your engine on and off surely that would use more petrol. Who ever thought of this needs to get a life.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing letters@readingchronicle.co.uk