Basingstoke drivers sitting in their cars with their engines left on could soon be fined. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is introducing £20 fines for idle motorists in a bid to tackle air pollution.

The punishments will be distributed by local civil enforcement officers, community safety patrol officers and environmental officers. 

The council says the fines will only be issued as a last resort when drivers refuse to switch off their engine.

The new measures come into place on March 23. 

The initiative is part of the organisation's 'Clean Air Campaign' - launched last year - encouraging residents to be proactive in reducing their carbon emissions.

The Council is aiming make the borough carbon neutral by 2030, after declaring a 'Climate Emergency' in July last year.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “Leaving your engine on while waiting in your car contributes to unnecessary emissions that affect levels of air pollution and greenhouse gases.

"Many motorists are simply not aware they can make a difference by switching off their engine.

“Our primary objective is to raise awareness and educate motorists to switch off their engines while waiting, but it is also important they understand that vehicle idling is an offence."