Extra traffic wardens will be hired to tackle the borough’s parking and anti-idling rules.

The decision, which was made on July 22, will see an extra 18 civil enforcement officers (CEOs) deployed across all areas within Richmond in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), six level crossings, and outside schools.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee said: “We are serious about making this borough a cleaner, healthier place to live by improving air quality.

“Our new CEOs will be focusing their efforts around areas of the borough we believe can benefit most from their efforts”.

The plans will target schools and other places suggested by residents living in the borough.

Cllr Ehmann added: “Residents support this commitment, they want to live in a borough which prioritises healthy air.

“That’s why we have a suite of initiatives from investing in cycle infrastructure and electric vehicles, to combatting harm caused by engine idle, and trying to reduce the reliance on cars and encourage more sustainable modes of transport.

“And this new investment will be an important part of that commitment.”

The CPZs have been designed to reduce commuter traffic, prioritise resident parking and will encourage the use of vehicles that produce low CO2 emissions.

The council also highlighted that research shows one minute of engine idling emits the equivalent of 150 balloons of toxic fumes into the air.