Madrid city council is planning to start fining motorists who fail to turn off their engines while their car is stationary - even when the driver is inside the vehicle.

The aim of Mayor Ana Botella is to reduce the exhaust fumes that are emitted from cars that are temporarily double parked while, for example, waiting to pick someone up. The fines will rise to 100 euros, given that the offense will be considered a light infraction.

The measure - which has already been introduced in London by Mayor Boris Johnson - is part of a battery of changes planned by the council with the objective of improving the city's notoriously bad air quality.

Other measures that are being considered include a 10-percent rise in parking charges in the center of the capital.