The Town of Cobourg is hoping to engage residents in supporting sustainable practices and actions by introducing them to a new By-law that will Regulate the Idling of Motor Vehicles.
In June 2022, as a result of implementing strategies aimed at reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, shown to compromise both the health of humans as well as the planet, Cobourg Municipal Council passed By-law 044-2022.
This By-law, to Regulate the Idling of Motor Vehicles, states that no person shall cause or permit idling for more than two (2) consecutive minutes.
An operating vehicle with an internal combustion engine (gasoline powered engine), emits a range of gases into the atmosphere, one of which is carbon dioxide CO2 – which is the principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
According to the Government of Canada, if Canadian motorists avoided idling for just three minutes every day of the year, CO2 emissions could be reduced by 1.4 million tonnes annually. This would be equal to saving 630 million litres of fuel and equivalent to taking 320,000 cars off the road for the entire year. Emission impacts resulting from vehicle idling (nrcan.gc.ca) This would be an important step in helping to mitigate the damaging effects of our changing climate by reducing CO2.
The Town of Cobourg Legislative Services Division has partnered with Sustainable Cobourg to launch an awareness program on the negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and informing drivers of the new by-law. During this time, drivers who idle their vehicles may receive a warning notice and educational flyer on their windshield. Following this educational campaign, Town of Cobourg Bylaw Enforcement staff will begin enforcing the set-fines and penalties the week of October 10, 2022.
Exemptions
Exemptions to the By-law exist so that drivers can clear their windshields and do other winter maintenance routines that ensure public safety. In addition, vehicles which are motionless
because of traffic conditions or traffic control signals, or vehicles that are going through a drive-through are exempt from the By-law. Police, Fire, public transit, and other emergency vehicles shall also be exempt from the By-law.
It is hoped that Cobourg residents continue to be aware of the Town’s commitment to environmental stewardship through its polices and their support.
For more details visit the By-law page on the municipal website, www.cobourg.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
