Petition · past parliament · Department for Transport
Expand Highway Code relating to the running of engines of parked vehicles
Closed
33 signatures
What the petition asks
Expand Highway Code Rule 123 "You must not leave a vehicle's engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road", to apply to all roads & open spaces inc. car parks, irrespective of whether they are public or private. National advertising campaign to educate the public.
The law currently prohibits ‘vehicle idling’ but expanding the Highway Code and a public awareness campaign could help reduce damaging emissions and improve public health. It is common practice for car drivers to park up with their engines running e.g. when taking phone calls, waiting in drop off zones (hospitals, railway stations, schools), delivery drivers, etc. Private roads & spaces to be included as the air polluted at these sites is NOT PRIVATELY OWNED and should not be regarded as such.
Timeline
| 16 Oct 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 16 Apr 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
33
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Transport
Opened
16 Oct 2020
Closed
16 Apr 2021
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.