A CAMPAIGNING councillor is hoping the new threat of fines will force bus drivers to switch their engines off.

Gourock independent representative Lynne Quinn had complained about the length of time drivers were sitting with their ignitions on outside schools.

As a result council officials have moved to enforce legislation that could see engine-idling drivers paying up to £20.

Councillor Quinn said: “It is a deterrent.

“I am fed up with engines running close to schools.

“We are supposed to create a clean environment in the playground but we let fumes fill the air.

“I pick my own children up from school and I see it myself but it happens everywhere.”

At a recent communities and education committee meeting members approved a decision to enact the Vehicle Emission Act.

It comes after a recent flurry of complaints about engine idling at schools, as well as at bus stations and taxi ranks.

The council’s head of environmental and public protection Martin McNab says fixed penalties would not be the first point of call and would instead be used as a deterrent measure, acting as a warning.

The council has applied to the Scottish Government to allow them to take action.

It has to adopt the legislation and become a ‘designated’ local authority under the regulations, first introduced in the Scottish Parliament back in 2003.