MOTORISTS who leave their engines running while their vehicles are stationary could soon be fined.

Newcastle City Council is looking to introduce traffic orders to clamp down on people who keep their engines running unnecessarily.

It is the latest proposal in the authority's campaign to reduce inner city air pollution.

The authority is also considering publishing a newsletter about air quality. It would be distributed to places such as GPs surgeries, where people who may be at risk from poor air quality would have access to the information.

Figures released earlier this week reveal that the schemes already in effect are paying dividends, as air quality in the city is improving.

Newcastle is one of a small number of local authorities in the UK taking part in a trial project to set up Clear Zones in its city centre.

Measures introduced so far include introducing 20mph speed limits on some roads.

Cutting the speed of traffic reduces noise levels, accidents and brings about a smoother traffic flow, helping to reduce emissions.

Some roads have been pedestrianised in the city centre.

Traffic calming measures and no car lanes, which give priority to essential vehicles, have also been introduced, while bus operators are being encouraged to increase their fleets of low emission buses.