IDLE FREE IN THE SEA‐TO‐SKY CORRIDOR:  

An Anti‐Idling Campaign Guide for Municipalities   

 

October 2007   

Prepared for:  

  

The Sea‐to‐Sky Air Quality Coordinating Committee   

Prepared By: 

Kimberly Hancock, BC Ministry of Environment 

Background

Why Idle-Free?

This anti-idling project was undertaken to move forward with the points of action

outlined in the Sea-to-Sky Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).

The AQMP was created by the Air Quality

Coordinating Committee (AQCC) to ensure clean and healthy air throughout the

airshed, despite projections for increased growth in the area that suggest air quality may deteriorate. Ambient concentrations

of air pollution currently exist at levels that can adversely affect human health.

Clean air will help to maintain a healthy lifestyle for residents and visitors alike, and ensure that the beautiful vistas of the Sea-to-Sky corridor will continue to be enjoyed despite continued growth and development in the area. The AQCC believes the Sea-to-Sky corridor should remain an area in which those with sensitive respiratory systems - including asthmatics, children and the elderly - can enjoy a high quality of life. In addition to protecting the health of residents, clean air and prevention of smog events is a priority for this region, as its economic dependence on tourism and recreation is based in part on the attraction of the outdoors as clean, natural spaces.

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Idling Concerns

Idling is a major environmental and health concern, as emissions from vehicle idling contribute to air pollution, climate change, and respiratory illnesses in members of the community.

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Studies carried out by Health Canada and community health departments

show that contaminants in vehicle emissions have been directly linked to significant respiratory health effects. These studies show increased hospital

admissions, respiratory illnesses and premature deaths as a result of poor air

quality caused in part by vehicle exhaust.

In Canada, there are an estimated 5000

premature deaths per year in addition to thousands more people who become unnecessarily ill. Children, who inhale

more air per kilogram of body weight and breathe faster than adults, become

particularly vulnerable. Air pollution also causes individuals with respiratory problems and the elderly to suffer from

unnecessary difficulties.

OOuurr  EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt   Not only does vehicle exhaust contain pollutants that contribute to smog and acid rain, but the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in all of Canada. The Sea-to-Sky airshed’s geographic features and meteorological conditions influence air quality, which may cause pollution to be trapped as a result of poor air circulation, so it is especially important to monitor our emissions. For every litre of gasoline used, the average car produces about 2.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide Natural Resources Canada estimates that if every Canadian motorist avoided idling for just 5 minutes each day of the year, we could prevent more than 1,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Diesel and gasoline exhausts contain more than 40 hazardous pollutants.  Having the air 

conditioner on while idling can increase emissions by 13 percent.

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Idling unnecessarily burns fuel, and wasting fuel wastes money. Consider

also that gasoline is made from crude oil, which is a non-renewable

resource.

Research indicates that Canadian motorists idle their vehicles for an average of 5 to 10 minutes a day. If every Canadian reduced their daily idling by five minutes, we would collectively save 680 million litres of fuel per year. At 100 cents per litre, that’s 680 million saved dollars a year!

A recent study suggests that in the peak of winter, Canadians voluntarily idle their vehicles for a combined total of more than 75 million minutes a day – equal to 

one vehicle idling for 144 years! 

Reality: After only ten seconds of idling the average car uses more fuel than restarting the engine.  Vehicle starters are manufactured to be used thousands of times, and over the course of a year the average amount of wear and tear on your starter and engine from avoiding idling is around $10 – far less than the cost of the gas you would waste idling!   Reality:  Actually, idling is not an effective way of warming up your engine – driving it is!  Even on cold winter days, 30 seconds of idling is sufficient before starting to drive.    Reality:  The modern‐day electronically controlled engine makes this belief outdated.  In fact, your vehicle can be harmed by idling ‐ cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system can be damaged by idling.   

Myth: Shutting off and restarting your vehicle consumes more gas than leaving it running and harms 

the engine.

Myth: Engines should be warmed up for extended periods of time 

before driving.

Myth: Idling is good for your engine.

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An anti-idling by-law is an additional tool to reduce unnecessary idling – Passing environmental laws and regulations engages the media and raises the profile of environmental issues to a level that is difficult to achieve by information and education programs alone.

Education 

 Why is public education an important precursor to implementing an idling by‐law? 

 

A by‐law on its own will not address the barriers that prevent motorists from idling their vehicles less, whereas an education campaign can seek to break these barriers down 

 

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If residents do not know about the by‐law, they will be unable to comply with it 

  The general public is likely to resist a by‐law that they do not understand, and may feel that it is unwarranted 

Incorporating both regulatory and educational approaches can add strength to an anti‐idling campaign. 

Regulation How does a by‐law strengthen an education campaign?  

Legal regulation adds a “sense of seriousness” to the idling issue, and gives it legal weight 

  By‐law blitzes generate media exposure, and engage more of the public in the campaign, encouraging them to learn more about the issue 

  A by‐law can provide a continuous opportunity to raise awareness 

 Leading by Example:  The City of 

Vancouver practiced a six‐month “no enforcement” period upon enacting their Anti‐Idling by‐law, to allow for 

time to educate the public and generate support. 

Many drivers do not realize the

consequences of idling, and targeting consumers through education is the first step to

achieving behavioural change.

Taking Action

Working Together

A few communities in the corridor do have some degree of an idling by-law, regulation, or campaign in place, but the definitions (such as the length of idling allowed) vary, as do the penalties. We believe it would be constructive to have one “blanket” by-law across the entire corridor to show commitment and solidarity on the issue, as well as to keep it consistent for the sake of public interpretation of the campaign and by-law. If materials and rules vary across the different municipalities, we believe it will become unclear to the public what is acceptable in terms of vehicle idling.

Image Courtesy: Natural Resources Canada and Geological Survey of Canada

A team‐based approached to an idle free campaign 

will have a far greater impact than independent efforts by municipalities in 

the Sea‐to‐Sky corridor.  

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Spreading the Word

An Effective Education Campaign

As previously mentioned, the general public could be less accepting of an anti-idling by-law if they do not believe idling is causing environmental damage to the community.

It is interesting to note that previous anti-idling

campaigns have found that positive and empowering messages are often more effective in engaging the public than negative messages.

Highlighting the positive attributes of being idle

free - healthier air and residents, reduced health care costs, fuel and cost savings, and avoiding

wear and tear on your vehicle - can help in moving towards a social norm which encourages

idle-free behaviour.

There are many myths associated with vehicle idling that are commonly held as true. Making the facts available to the public will go a long way in encouraging a positive attitude towards being idle free.

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PPoossiittiivvee  MMeessssaaggiinngg  

Streamlining the idle free campaign to target

“hot spots” in the community can increase the efficiency of your efforts. This means focusing your messages on areas where idling is making

the largest impact.

Examples include schools, malls, large parking lots, ferry terminals, or other pick up/drop off

points. Identifying the hot spots in your community can go a long way in making an

effective education campaign.

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Communicating to the Public: Here are some ideas used by previous anti‐idling campaigns to gain attention:  

Transit Advertising Bus ads reach drivers, bus passengers, and passersby.  

Radio Public Service Announcements A great way to reach drivers while on the road – maybe even while they are idling!  

Print Ads …In newspapers and other media sources.  Media coverage in papers and on the news is a bonus, and free advertising for your campaign.  

Permanent Outdoor Signs Place permanent street signs in idling ‘hot spots.’  Consider including messaging in provincial parks.  

Interventions by volunteers Volunteers are a great resource for an awareness campaign.  Speaking one‐on‐one with drivers has been shown to be a very effective method to communicating the issues.  As well, they could hand out leaflets in high traffic areas, such as ferry terminals.  

School Participation Schools are an important target for educational campaigns because children are extremely susceptible to car exhaust.  Interventions, signage, and school newsletters can all be utilized to spread the message.  Consider having the effects of idling included in the school’s curriculum.  

Banners in highly visible locations GTA campaign banners stated “You are now entering an idle‐free zone.”   

Increased by‐law enforcement This can include both tickets, and warnings.  This often generates interest from the media and raises the profile of campaign efforts.  

Information cards and window decals Window decals which include a key campaign message can be distributed as a reminder to drivers, as well as a sign of commitment. Information cards with by‐law and idling information are a good resource for getting the facts about idling known to the public.  Website Postings on municipal sites

By-law Considerations

Natural Resources Canada has pointed out several weaknesses in the provisions of existing by-laws that make enforcement difficult, time-consuming or costly. These include:

• Lengthy allowable idling period; • Allowed idling times for transit

vehicles on layover or stopover; • Large number of exemptions; • Temperature exemptions; • Medical exemptions; and • Absence of a set fine

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conserve fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many municipalities also promote a 10-second limit in vehicle engine idling literature and idle-free education programs. Shorter allowable idling times in idling control by-laws would be consistent with these environmental policies.

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Iddlliinngg  PPeerriioodd  

Canadian by-laws currently allow vehicles to idle anywhere from three to – in one case – 10

minutes. Enforcement staff in several municipalities have expressed concern about

the length of the allowable idling period. The longer a by-law enforcement officer must

wait and observe an idling vehicle, the more time-consuming and costly the enforcement.

A reduced allowable idling period would make idling control by-laws easier to enforce.

A reduced idling period would also meet the intent of many by-laws to reduce greenhouse

gas emissions. A light-duty car with a warm engine that idles for more than 10 seconds

burns more fuel and emits more greenhouse gases than shutting down the engine and starting it again. As a result, a number of

municipal and corporate fleets have imposed 10-second limits on idling of fleet vehicles to

Exxtteennddeedd  TTrraannssiitt  IIddlliinngg  TTiimmeess

Most existing anti-idling by-laws allow transit vehicles to idle for 10 or even 15 minutes on layover or stopover, except where idling is substantially for the convenience of the operator. This is usually justified on the grounds of providing a comfortable environment for passengers. However, a 10- or 15-minute allowable idling period makes enforcement problematic.

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Transit vehicles are of particular concern because diesel vehicles – especially those with older or poorly maintained engines –

are particularly dirty when idling, emitting particulates as well as greenhouse gases

and other pollutants. Emissions from idling buses can become problematic in bus

terminals or other partially enclosed areas.

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Including only essential exemptions makes enforcement easier and more consistent

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Most of the existing by-laws have between

10 and 12 exemptions that allow vehicles to idle beyond the prescribed 3- or 5-minute limits. While most of the exemptions are

reasonable when examined individually, the effect of having a large number of

exemptions is to create a patchwork law that is unevenly applied to some vehicles in

some circumstances.

Some enforcement officers report that this frustrates citizens who call to lay a

complaint about idling vehicles in their communities, only to discover that the

vehicles are exempted from the provisions of the by-law for one reason or another.

TTeemmppeerraattuurree EExxeemmppttiioonnss Most of the existing anti-idling by-laws exempt vehicles from idling prohibitions when temperatures are higher than 27°C or lower than 5°C, so that drivers can operate air conditioners or heaters to maintain passenger comfort in the vehicle.

These temperature exemptions would allow for unlimited idling for a large part of the year in much of the Sea to Sky Corridor.

MMeeddiiccaall EExxeemmppttiioonnss Existing anti-idling by-laws include an exemption for vehicles transporting a person where a medical doctor certifies in writing that the person needs the temperature or humidity to be maintained within a certain range.

There is no evidence that in the nine years since this exemption was first enacted in the City of Toronto by-law, and in similar by-laws passed later, that anyone has acquired or used such a letter to allow them to idle their vehicle. The Greater Vancouver Regional District did not include this exemption in their model by-law.

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Fiinnee By-laws with set fines are easier to enforce.

An enforcement officer can write a ticket for an idling infraction, and the offending

driver in most cases simply pays the fine in the same way they would a parking ticket.

This includes the option to go to court if they wish to contest the charge.

However, relatively few drivers actually do contest the charge. This means the

enforcement officer needs only the time required to observe the idling vehicle for a

little longer than the 3 or 5 minutes allowed by the by-law, and to write the

ticket, with an occasional appearance in court.

In municipalities with a set fine, enforcing an anti-idling by-law could produce revenue

that supports by-law enforcement. However, fewer than half of municipalities

with anti-idling by-laws have set fines.

North Vancouver has a set fine of $45 for more than 3 minutes of idling in a 60‐minute period.  The City of Vancouver has a $50 set fine, which  s increased to $100 for heavy or unattended vehicles. 

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 The Town of Gibsons’ bylaw cites a fine from $250 up to $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months. 

In municipalities without a set fine, an enforcement officer must write a summons, prepare a charge and then appear in court, which can take an estimated 4-5 hours for each charge, and takes up the time of court officers as well as the enforcement officer. This can be a revenue drain on a municipality. It may also discourage enforcement officers – who may be responsible for many by-laws – from upholding an anti-idling by-law because of the time requirements.

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By-law Implementation

EEnnffoorrcceemmeenntt Currently, most anti-idling by-laws in effect are enforced on a very limited basis. Many municipalities prefer to rely on the regulation as an educational tool, to supplement an educational program, or enforce the by-law on a complaints basis. This is generally due to limited resources, as well as a low priority compared to revenue generating by-laws or those with a more immediate impact. However, despite limited resources, well-planned and publicized enforcement actions can have a significant impact! Why enforce a by-law? By-laws that are not perceived to be enforced:

Lose the power to affect changes in behaviour Frustrate citizens who want environmental action Can damage the government’s credibility Can be viewed as unfairness to those who voluntarily comply

3) Assign an Appropriate Enforcement Agency  It is important to consider the related and competing responsibilities of departments when choosing an enforcement agency, staffing and training requirements.  Some examples of enforcement used by other municipalities include general by‐law officers, police, parking enforcement officers and the public health department.    If available, consider parking enforcement officers, as they are generally a large force, and may carry fewer responsibilities than a general by‐law enforcement officer. 

Keys to an Effective Enforcement Strategy:  1) Make the Law Clear  The more simple and straightforward the regulation, the better.   

 2) Appropriate Penalties  When establishing fines, consider what the public will perceive as “fair” in terms of a penalty for the environment and public health costs.  Most fines are between $100.00 and $155.00, but some consider $40.00 to be a strong enough deterrent.  

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Including monitoring and periodic evaluation of enforcement activities and 

their impacts as part of the enforcement strategy will enable you to gauge the effectiveness of your efforts.

4) Enforcement Plan  To effectively allocate limited resources, it is important to identify “hot spots” of idling activity such as schools or malls, in order to appropriately target education and enforcement.  There are a few approaches to consider when planning the method of enforcement:  

• Complaints‐based enforcement • Proactive blitzes of hotspots (a good 

option for gaining media coverage) • Ongoing proactive enforcement • Educational approach • A combination of the above 

 For more information on the logistics of these approaches, please visit: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/communities‐government/transportation/municipal‐communities/reports/effective‐enforcement.cfm?attr=16

CCoonnttiinnuueedd EEdduuccaattiioonn Not surprisingly, the public is more likely to comply with a by-law that they understand, agree with, and are informed about. Continued education on anti-idling and compliance promotion will raise public support, and is an important part of any implementation strategy. This compliance promotion should not just include the general public, but municipal fleets as well. Promoting and ensuring compliance within your own staff (“Getting in line at home”) will allow you to avoid skepticism and criticism, and allow the municipality to start the campaign with a solid foundation. For more information on how to implement an effective fleet-wide anti-idling policy, see the report “A Model Idling Control Program for Municipal Fleets” from the GTA Clean Air Council. Issuing warnings to people in non-compliance is an often effective way of educating and reminding the public about the by-law. Many by-law officers have said that speaking with an offender about the by-law and the rationale behind it is often enough to deter idling. As well, broadcasting successes and enforcement activities with the public is a great way to keep the momentum of the campaign going.

CCoommpplliiaannccee PPrroommoottiioonn It is important to educate the public on the particulars of the by-law. This can include:

• Information on the rationale and requirements of the law

• Signage to inform and to encourage voluntary compliance

• Issuing warnings to individuals or firms found idling

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PROVISIONS:  

COMMENTS:

Preamble  

 

Whereas Section 124(1)(c) of the Motor Vehicle Act authorizes municipalities to regulate with respect to stopping, standing or parking of vehicles in the municipality;  And Whereas Section 8(3)(h) and 64(c) of the Community Charter authorizes municipalities to regulate with respect to the protection and enhancement of the well‐being of its community in relation to the emission of smoke, fumes and other effluvia that is liable to foul or contaminate the atmosphere;  

The preamble usually begins by citing the legal authority for the by‐law, usually a provincial act that grants to municipalities the right to regulate with respect to public health and welfare, and/or the protection of the environment.

And whereas motor vehicles are sources of particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxide, volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gas emissions;  

It also sets out the rationale for the by‐law, usually related to concerns about air pollution and climate change.

And whereas air pollution in the [City or Town] of [Insert name of municipality] is associated with adverse health effects;  

Insert the name of your municipality.

And whereas, the [City or Town] of [Insert name] has committed to improving air quality as part of the Sea to Sky Air Quality Management Plan;:  

This section refers to implementing the bylaw as part of a larger commitment to air quality..  

Therefore the Council of [Insert name] enacts the following by‐law:  

Insert the name of your municipality.

Short title (or Citation)  

 

This by‐law may be cited as the "Idling Control By‐law"  

 

   

Provisions of a Model Anti- idling By-law

.

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Article 1 – Definitions (or Interpretation)  

Definitions (or Interpretation)

In this by‐law:  

 

"Boat" means a ship or any other description of a vessel not propelled by oars and includes a boat used exclusively for towing purposes, a water taxi and a boat used on water for living purposes. 

Some municipalities with a waterfront apply idling prohibitions to boats and to ferries, and so define them in this section of the by‐law.  

"Idle" means the operation of a vehicle engine while the vehicle is not in motion and "idling" has a corresponding meaning.  

 

"Vehicle" or "Motor Vehicle" means any vehicle that is capable of being driven or drawn on roads by any means other than muscular power exclusively, but does not include any vehicle designed to run exclusively on rails.  

Some municipalities include a larger number of definitions than are shown here, including "city," "transit vehicle," "layover," "stopover," or "by‐law officer" depending on the specific contents of the by‐law.

"Vehicle with Power Take‐off" means a vehicle containing work equipment that must be powered by the vehicle engine. 

Most municipal by‐laws exempt vehicles referred to as "mobile workshops" from idling restrictions. By mobile workshops they usually mean vehicles containing equipment powered by the engine. Natural Resources Canada has suggested that the term "vehicle with power take‐off" is more appropriate and so we are using that term here.  

Article 2: General Prohibitions  

General Prohibitions

Option 1) No person shall cause or permit a vehicle or boat engine to idle for more than one minute in a 60‐minute period.  

Most idling control by‐laws currently restrict idling to 3 [or 5] minutes in a 60‐minute period. However, some municipalities restrict idling in Their own fleets to much shorter periods. These policies are based on the NRCan recommendation to idle no more than 10 seconds (30 seconds for vehicle cold‐start).  

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Option 2) No person shall cause or permit a vehicle or boat engine to idle for more than three minutes in a 60‐minute period. 

A one‐minute allowable idling time fits better with idle‐free goals. Longer allowable idling times are also harder to enforce. Three minutes is the shortest allowable idling time in current by‐laws.  

  Municipalities with a waterfront should add boats to this prohibition, However, you may wish to exclude boats from the bylaw as they are more difficult to enforce, and instead opt to simply include watercraft areas in the education campaign and encourage being idle free on a voluntary level.  

   Article 3: Exemptions  

Exemptions

Article 2 does not apply to:  This section includes only those exemptions adopted by all Canadian municipalities with stand‐alone by‐laws. Including only essential exemptions simplifies the model by‐law and makes enforcement easier and more consistent.  

(a) Police, fire or ambulance vehicles or boats while engaged in operational activities, except where idling is substantially for the convenience of the operator of the vehicle.  

These vehicles must keep lights, radios, on‐board computer systems, and other equipment functioning while on the job.

(b) Vehicles and boats assisting in an emergency activity.  

The intent of this exemption is to allow vehicles to use emergency lights, etc.

(c) Vehicles with power take‐off while they are in the course of being used for their basic function.  

This exemption covers vehicles where the engine provides power for auxiliary equipment used for work.

(d) Vehicles or boats for which idling is required to service the engine or conduct repairs.  

Municipalities on a waterfront should add boats to this provision.

(e) Armoured vehicles in which a person remains inside the vehicle while guarding the contents, or while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. 

Armoured car operators need to be able to get away quickly in case of an attempted robbery. Doors are electronically controlled and windows don't open, necessitating the use of air conditioning. (f) Vehicles or boats remaining motionless 

because of an emergency, traffic, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties over which the driver has no control.  (g) Vehicles or boats engaged in the course of a parade or race or any other event authorized by Council 

Most municipalities include this exemption. Using the phrase "in the course of" may help limit idling of vehicles waiting for an event to begin, or waiting to disperse at the end of an event.  

(h) Vehicles or boats idling while passengers are embarking or disembarking. 

This would cover transit buses, tour buses, ferries and other vehicles taking on or discharging passengers. Note: there are no provisions for vehicles idling during a stopover or layover.  

(i) Option 1) Do not include temperature exemptions in the by‐law 

Some municipalities have no temperature exemptions in their idling‐related by‐laws.  For example, Gibson’s current by‐law.   

Option 2) Provide the following temperature exemptions: 

 

Vehicles or boats when the ambient outside temperature is more than 30°C or less than 0°C. 

If municipal officials believe that a temperature exemption is advisable, a good argument can be made for reducing the extent of the exemption and improving the enforceability of the by‐law, as in the second option.  

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Article 4: Administration and Enforcement  Administration and Enforcement This by‐law shall be administered and enforced by a Parking Enforcement Officer or By‐law Enforcement Officer of the [City or Town] or by an Officer of the [City or Town] Police. 

Ideally, this by‐law would be enforced by parking enforcement officers as well as by municipal by‐law enforcement officers. There are more parking enforcement officer and they are out on the streets more of the time.  

Article 5: Penalties  Penalties Any person who contravenes any provision of this by‐law is guilty of an offence. 

Set fines allow enforcement officers to ticket an offender rather than issue a summons.  

The owner or lessee of a vehicle that is permitted to idle in contravention of this by‐law is guilty of an offence. 

This provision allows the municipality to charge the owner of a vehicle, in cases where the driver cannot be identified.

 Every person guilty of an offence under this By‐law may pay a set fine of [

Set fines currently vary from $20 to $380. Most are in the $100 ‐‐ $155 range, which should be a sufficient deterrent to idling but not so high that enforcement officers are reluctant to issue them. Set fines are not always enumerated in the by‐law, to give municipalities more flexibility to change the level of the fine.

xx dollars], in accordance with Section 265(1)(a) of the Community Charter. 

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Example By-law (Incorporates Ministry of Environment Recommendations)

Preamble Whereas Section 124(1)(c) of the Motor Vehicle Act authorizes municipalities to regulate with respect to stopping, standing or parking of vehicles in the municipality; And Whereas Section 8(3)(h) and 64(c) of the Community Charter authorizes municipalities to regulate with respect to the protection and enhancement of the well-being of its community in relation to the emission of smoke, fumes and other effluvia that is liable to foul or contaminate the atmosphere; And whereas motor vehicles are sources of particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxide, volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gas emissions; And whereas, the [City or Town] of [Insert name] has committed to improving air quality as part of the Sea to Sky Air Quality Management Plan; Therefore the Council of [Insert name] enacts the following by-law: Short title (or Citation) This by-law may be cited as the "Idling Control By-law" Article 1 – Definitions (or Interpretation) In this by-law: "Idle" means the operation of a vehicle engine while the vehicle is not in motion and "idling" has a corresponding meaning. "Vehicle" or "Motor Vehicle" means any vehicle that is capable of being driven or drawn on roads by any means other than muscular power exclusively, but does not include any vehicle designed to run exclusively on rails. "Vehicle with Power Take-off" means a vehicle containing work equipment that must be powered by the vehicle engine. Article 2: General Prohibitions No person shall cause or permit a vehicle to idle for more than one minute in a 60-minute period.    

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Article 3: Exemptions Article 2 does not apply to: (a) Police, fire or ambulance vehicles while engaged in operational activities, except where idling is substantially for the convenience of the operator of the vehicle. (b) Vehicles assisting in an emergency activity. (c) Vehicles with power take-off while they are in the course of being used for their basic function. (d) Vehicles for which idling is required to service the engine or conduct repairs. (e) Armoured vehicles in which a person remains inside the vehicle while guarding the contents, or while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. (f) Vehicles remaining motionless because of an emergency, traffic, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties over which the driver has no control. (g) Vehicles engaged in the course of a parade or race or any other event authorized by Council (h) Vehicles idling while passengers are embarking or disembarking. Article 4: Administration and Enforcement This by-law shall be administered and enforced by a Parking Enforcement Officer or By-law Enforcement Officer of the [City or Town] or by an Officer of the [City or Town] Police. Article 5: Penalties Any person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence. The owner or lessee of a vehicle that is permitted to idle in contravention of this by-law is guilty of an offence. Every person guilty of an offence under this By-law may pay a set fine of [xx dollars], in accordance with Section 265(1)(a) of the Community Charter.

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REFERENCES Background Information from: Sea-to-Sky Air Quality Coordinating Committee, 2006. Our Plan to Share the Air: A Sea-to-Sky Air Quality Management Plan Taking Action, By-law Considerations, By-law Implementation and Model Anti-Idling By-law & Provisions Information from: Penney, J. 2005. Cracking Down on Idling: A Primer for Canadian Municipalities on Developing and Enforcing Idling Control By-laws, Natural Resources Canada and the Toronto Area Clean Air Council Idling Concerns and Idling Myths Information from: Natural Resources Canada, Office of Energy Efficiency, at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/communities-government/idling.cfm?attr=0 And Better Environmentally Sound Transportation at http://www.best.bc.ca Effective Education Campaign Information from: Natural Resources Canada Clean Air Partnership, 2005. The Carrot, the Stick, and the Combo: A Recipe for Reducing Vehicle Idling in Canadian Communities And GTA Clean Air Council, 2003. Greater Toronto Area Idle-Free Campaign Final Report. Found at http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/gtacac/pdf/gta_idlefree_finalreport.pdf

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