‘Quitting’ could cost you £30
The cold snap has seen many drivers scraping their windscreens this season. Leicestershire Police is advising motorists to stick with their vehicles as they clear ice and snow from windows – or they could be left out in the cold.Motorists could be fined receiving a £30 fixed penalty notice and being prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act offence of 'quitting' which is when a person leaves their vehicle's engine running while they are not in it.
Inspector Gill Lewis, Head of the Roads Policing Unit at Leicestershire Police said, “With automotive security getting better all time, it’s becoming very difficult to steal a vehicle without having the keys. Thieves are wise to this and target people who leave their cars running with keys in the ignition.
“You wouldn’t leave £30,000 in the road for someone to steal. Yet it’s surprising how many people will leave their cars defrosting unattended at the side of the road.
“If you are defrosting your car, make sure it is not left unattended.”
