MOTORISTS could soon be slapped with fines for keeping their cars running in public places and for driving high-emission vehicles.

Plans drawn up by the council’s licensing chiefs are set to be introduced in order to tackle air pollution in the borough.

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Under one proposal, Bracknell Forest Council would be able to fine drivers of idling vehicles, including taxis.

This means motorists would be penalised if they did not turn off their engines when stationary, especially in ‘sensitive’ locations such as schools, hospitals and residential areas.

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However, the council would not enforce fines when vehicles are queuing in traffic, where an engine is being run so it can be fixed, or where it is necessary to operate the vehicle’s heating in extreme weather.

Another plan suggests the council could also fine drivers if their cars fail roadside emissions tests in air quality management areas in the borough.

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Two locations in Bracknell Forest — Baghsot Road A322 and Crowthorne High Street B3348 — fall into this category as they are deemed to be areas where concentrations of harmful Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) have or are exceeding both European and national standards.

Should Bracknell Forest Council choose to apply to the government for permission to adopt these powers, officers could soon be allowed to test vehicle emissions in or near the most polluted areas of the borough.

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Where a vehicle fails such tests, a £60 penalty can be handed out.

The council’s report claims this penalty is “not high” and that these new enforcement powers would not be implemented in order to make money, but to bring about change as part of a wider package of measures in relation to tackling climate change.

Should these new powers be adopted, officers would focus on idling vehicles at taxi ranks, outside stations, schools and medical facilities.

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Bracknell Forest Council’s will decide whether to adopt the idling powers and whether to apply for emissions testing powers at a meeting on Tuesday, February 9.