The heat is currently on and many of us are enjoying the warm weather in our motorhomes – but using your ‘van’s air-conditioning system inappropriately could result in a fine of up to £110, the RAC has warned.

The warning has come when many of us will be looking at ways of keeping cool on tour. The company, which offers breakdown recovery, servicing and more – has said that those who leave their engine idling to cool the cab, and refuse to turn it off when asked to do so, risk being fined a significant amount of money due to anti-pollution regulations.

This doesn’t just apply if you’re in the motorhome – the penalty could also be implemented if you leave the ‘van running and the can air-conditioning on to cool it down when parking a campervan or motorhome beside the road, before eventually driving away.

Fines for doing so vary; they start at £40 if issued by a police officer as a fixed penalty notice, or – if issued as a penalty charge notice by a civil enforcement officer – can be as much as £80.

However, certain councils can implement a larger fine again, to a maximum of £110.

Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, commented: “Air conditioning is a game-changer in modern vehicles. But while we’re all desperate to stay cool, sitting in (the vehicle) with the engine and air conditioning running and going nowhere isn’t advisable. Due to the air pollution this causes, you risk a fine.

“We advise those driving vehicles without air-con to consider delaying any non-essential trips this week until the heatwave passes.”

In other recent news, a North York Moors caravan park has received funding to help it recover from the effects of a wildfire. Grouse Hill Caravan Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the funding, which is coming from the local council, is to help it recover from the effects which are still evident.

Image: Getty Images

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