New Idling Control By-law!

Idling gets you nowhere!

A new Idling Control by-law comes into effect on September 1, 2007, and enforcement of the by-law begins on January 1, 2008. In preparation for the enforcement of this by-law, a two-month education and awareness campaign on the Idling Control By-law begins in September 2007.

The Idling Control By-law

The new by-law states that:

• Vehicles are prohibited from idling more than three minutes in a given 60-minute period when the temperature is between 5°C and 27°C, including the humidex calculation and wind chill value.
• Idling is allowed at the following times only:
• during extreme outdoor temperatures to ensure heating or cooling inside the vehicle when occupied.
• transit vehicles when picking up or discharging passengers.

Vehicles that are idling to enable them to operate equipment and for emergencies purposes are exempt from the by-law.

The City of Ottawa’s Idling Control Program discourages unnecessary vehicle idling of the City's fleet and private vehicles operating within the community.

The education campaign

The “Stop Idling” education campaign focuses on how reducing idling makes good sense – protects our health and our environment by improving our air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are also saving money on fuel!

Radio ads will inform drivers of the new by-law and City parking enforcement officers will hand out information sheets on the new by-law in problem areas. Schools can become involved by implementing some or all of the material provided in the Idling Education Kits that are available through the School Health Intake Line.

Find out more about the impact of idling on your health and the environment, how you can save money and some common myths about idling.

For more information about the City's Idling Control Program, please contact Birgit Isernhagen at 613-580-2424 ext. 27912 or at Birgit.Isernhagen@ottawa.ca