Abu Dhabi Police: Dh500 fine for leaving your car running while shopping

Drivers warned against leaving their car engine on while doing errands

Illegally parked cars at Al Shamkha, near Abu Dhabi Airport. Police have reminded drivers that leaving a car idling is a finable offence. Silvia Razgova / The National

Abu Dhabi Police warned drivers against leaving their cars idling while doing errands or shopping.

If caught, people could be fined Dh500 ($136) for leaving their car engine on, the state news agency Wam reported.

Motorists were also told not to leave their cars running when going into shops at petrol stations, or to ATMs.

The reminder comes ahead of the GCC and Mena Regional Dialogue For Climate Action in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The US special envoy on climate, John Kerry, will be attending the high-level discussions on advancing global action to halt climate change.

The transport sector causes about 23 per cent of all emissions from human activity, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Wam reported on Friday that the UAE's plans to reduce emission rates included encouraging residents to use mass transport options such as the Dubai Metro, public buses, or hybrid taxis.

The launch of the Etihad Rail project is also expected to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector, because the train will significantly reduce the number of cars and freight vehicles on the roads.

In pictures: Etihad Rail project