Drivers could soon be fined £100 for leaving their engine running in Shepton Mallet's car parks or other public locations.

Mendip District Council is exploring various options to improve the district's air quality as part of its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

As part of an effort to improve quality of life, signs will be erected in public areas to discourage people from idling their engines, and threatening fines if they did not comply.

The council said it was also working with the Somerset Waste Partnership to roll out these signs at the recycling centres in Frome, Street and Wells.

The proposals were discussed at a virtual meeting of the council's cabinet on Monday evening (June 1).

Councillor Barry O'Leary, portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, said changing people's behaviour was essential to improving air quality.

He said: "We are not waiting for things to get bad before we do some good – that's not how this council works.

"When people are waiting to do their recycling at the tip, they won't have their engine on – there will be a 'no idling' sign there.

"There will be signs when people go to their village halls eventually, or go to the local swimming pools when they are re-opened. It's all about behavioural change – and we need to realise this is in our hands."

Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for community health services, said various options were being explored at the present time.

She said in her written report: "Signs discouraging idling are already being produced for display in main council car parks.

"We will explore implementation in other council car parks and at sensitive locations such as schools, nurseries and hospitals.

"We will explore use of enforcement through community protection warnings. Fixed penalty notices are being considered, as the fine for persistent offenders is £100.

"This is considered more cost-effective than the ability to fine £20 by adopting idling as a statutory offence, as this requires investment in enforcement officers to witness breaches on the spot."

Councillor Lindsay MacDougall said more work was needed to get rid of poor air quality "hotspots", including the A361 Chilkwell Street within her Glastonbury St Mary's ward.

She said: "The town council's measurements for NO2 were recorded recently as being above the statutory limit.

"Electric vehicles, fewer journeys, rail and hydrogen fuel should all be in the mix as solution."

A further update on the issue of engine idling and emissions will come back to the cabinet in September.