Victoria councilors are expected to give the bylaw final approval this week. Drivers will have a year to mend their ways; conditioned by educational tips related to idling vehicles and, later, warnings that ticketing will follow.
Fines will take effect a year after bylaw adoption. The move follows a trend adopted for their fleets by government and business. Anti-idling laws have also been implemented in municipalities across Canada.
A Victoria staff report has found excessive idling contributes to global warming and pollution. A National Resources Canada website also says Canada could block more than one million tons of carbon dioxide annually if every driver of a light-duty vehicle avoided idling for five minutes a day.
