Idling motorists avoid new fines

ENVIRONMENTAL wardens have failed to hand out a single fine as part of a city-wide crackdown on pollution.

Under a new initiative, drivers who leave their engines running were told they would face on-the-spot fines.

Drivers who ignore warnings to switch off the ignition while waiting could be hit with a 20 fine or face court action.

However, a month into the new initiative, wardens have yet to issue a single fine.

The new measures are being enforced by environmental wardens following reports that three city zones - Great Junction Street, St John's Road and the city centre - have been identified as pollution hot spots.

Motoring groups have dismissed the scheme, branding it a "token gesture" in the battle against harmful emissions.