What is it with some people and their flagrant idling of their car engines when waiting for someone? I often see mums sitting in their cars (some are suvs) with the engine on just so that they can keep the air-con on. They're not waiting for one or two minutes but rather 15 minutes! Today I was trying to enjoy some fish and chips when some t*at returning to his car started it, left it running to keep the air-con on for his teenage son then left to go back to a shop for the best part of 10 minutes. All this time he had left his driver's side window down too. This is a daily occurrence on the routes I travel. What's happening to society?

If I'm in the car in the summer in the UK waiting for someone, I often leave the engine running so I can keep the air con running.

Obviously pointless if you're not in the vehicle, or have a window open!

I pay for my petrol, I can use it how I like lol. Although, idling is not good for engines really (not to mention the environment). I'd never leave it more than a few minutes.

They should only sell 4x4s or SUVs to people who go off road, not driving on a normal street...

It is an offence in Scotland to have your car idling without good cause. Don't think the air-con reason would carry, given it was -8 last night!

Fairly sure it is a spot fine and 3 points on the licence.

Who's 'they'?? and are we not in a free world where we can choose what we buy and what we do with it?

I think, given that a car left in the hot sun can reach dangerous temperatures very quickly, that leaving the engine idling to maintain air-con is very sensible if you're having to wait a while.

I generally switch the engine off and wind down windows if its a short wait, but if I was stuck in the car for 15 minutes I'd be running the 3L V6 airconditioner! - the alternative is a trip to hospital to deal with heat stress which ultimately costs the taxpayer FAR more then the negligable emissions from a few minutes idling!

It's because Aussies are apparently idle.

Monkey see monkey do.

Whose we? Whatever gave you that impression?

You don't have to be stuck in the car - try getting out and waiting.

Noooooooo you would take away my daily enjoyment! I eat my lunch near James Street market car park and laugh at the women (mostly) trying to park their tanks in the spot. Somebody at the beginning of the week took about 6 goes and still couldnt get the thing in she finally gave in and left it in 2 spots.

She deserves to get her car keyed.

I wouldnt fancy sitting in a car with the air con off for 15 minutes. It's going to be 34 degrees in Brisbane today; the temp in the car would quickly rise above 50C.

can i volunteer?

hate the things .....

Two days ago I went to ALDI's, and one car was having trouble parking in a normal car spot. I did my shopping, went back to the car, and they were still trying to get it parked !!!