Get to know Ottawa’s vehicle idling by-laws and how you can change it
Posted Mar 11, 2024 02:48:44 PM.
Last Updated Mar 11, 2024 02:48:48 PM.
The City of Ottawa is asking for the public’s feedback on their existing car idling by-laws.
The Idling Control By-law (2007-266) came into effect in 2007 with the main intention to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling for all drivers in Ottawa. The aim with the by-law was to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse emissions.
Ottawa’s City Council has now directed staff to review the by-law and is seeking feedback from residents.
What is the current idling by-law?
The by-law limits idling to three consecutive minutes every hour when temperatures are between 5 C and 27 C. Outside that temperature range, there is no limit on idling time.
Certain vehicles and situations are exempted from the time limit.
What does the City of Ottawa consider idling?
According to the city’s website, idling is “running a vehicle’s engine when the vehicle is not in motion and when the engine is not operating equipment essential to the basic function of the vehicle.”
What are the impacts of idling?
Ottawa Public Health says emissions from vehicles idling for 10 minutes can use up to half a litre of fuel.
For every litre of gasoline used, 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide is produced. For every litre of diesel used, 2.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide is produced.
How can you have your voice heard?
This survey can be filled out and completed by Friday, March 15, 2024. The city says it takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and asks for people’s experience with idling and comments on the existing idling by-law.
The responses will be considered for the city’s review and presented to council this fall.
