Frost can be removed by various methods such as using a common de-icer tool, applying some simple spray or by leaving a car engine running. Leaving your engine ticking over will quickly warm your windscreen which will remove the bulk of frost and ice cover within minutes.
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However, leaving your car running while parked on the side of a road or street is against the Highway Code and road users could be hit with fines.
Article 123 of the Highway Code states drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.
Council chiefs could even hit motorists with £20 fine for emission offences under The Road Traffic Regulations 2002.
This fine can double to £40 if the bill is not paid within a limited time frame so motorists need to act quickly to avoid being caught out.
The fines are in place because an idling engine can chuck dangerous carbon emissions up into the atmosphere which can contribute to further air pollution.
The RAC reassures motorists the fines will usually only be imposed if a driver refuses to switch off an engine when they are asked to do so.
An RAC study found 82 percent of motorists want councils to tackle motorists who leave their engine running while parked.
The survey revealed 88 percent of respondents admitted they had seen motorists parked on streets with their engines still running.
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RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Leyes said: “Councils already have the powers to deal with this problem, but few are currently doing so.
“Many of the drivers we questioned would like to see some firm action taken against offenders. This is no doubt needed to bring about a change in behaviour.”
Former transport secretary Chris Grayling confirmed a public consultation would be launched to increase fines for those who leave their engine running.
The Department for Transport has previously said they would like to toughen council powers to fine motorists in a crackdown on unnecessary air pollution.
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Council officials cannot stop motorists from leaving their car running on their own driveway as this is private property and not enforceable.
However, leaving a car unattended while a windscreen melts can have further risks which could leave your car insurance invalidated.
Thieves target motorists who leave their car running unattended as easy targets to commit vehicle thefts or burglaries.
This is because the door of the vehicle would be left unlocked and the keys will be in the ignition making the cars an easy catch for criminals.
Car insurance providers can invalidate a policy and refuse to pay out on damage or car theft as this will be deemed an at-fault claim.
Thefts are so common it is even known as ‘frosting’ as offences usually happen on cold and frosty mornings when engines are left on to clear windscreens.
The Central Motorway Police Group revealed unattended cars ware stolen every five minutes during the winter.
Leaving a car idling for too long in the cold weather can also cause damage to your vehicle with may leave motorists facing expensive repair bills.
Having engine ticking over could cause oil dilution issues. This is when petrol seeps into the car’s oil supply which can cause widespread damage.
Motorists are instead urged to drive off straight away and allow the vehicle to naturally warm up when on the road.
However, motorists will need to clear all frost and ice off a car before they leave their driveway. failing to do this could be a dangerous driving offence and motorists could be hit with fines.
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