The bylaw, which took effect immediately, does not target any specific groups of drivers or areas, and it does not apply to vehicles such as those operated by Missisauga Transit, police, fire or ambulance services.

Drivers using drive-through lanes are also exempted because the vehicles are considered to be similar to those in traffic where the movement is out of the operator's control.

The bylaw, to be policed by City bylaw enforcement officers, sets an idling limit of three minutes. Fines are based on provisions of the Provincial Offences Act, and range from $100 to $380.

"Reducing vehicle emissions is a good example of how we can make clean air and a healthy environment our shared legacy," said Ward 11 councillor George Carlson, chair of the City's environmental advisory committee.

"(The committee) spearheaded the call for a bylaw to help encourage all vehicle owners and operators in Mississauga to take immediate steps to fight climate change and improve air quality."

Internal combustion engines in cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses and boats emit greenhouse gases and air contaminants including carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and people's health, Carlson explained.

"Unnecessary vehicle idling is wasteful (and) negatively impacts the environment and the health of residents," said City manager Janice Baker. "For these reasons, we have developed a comprehensive idling control program to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and the cost of operating City-owned vehicles to further the City's goals under the Living Green strategic pillar for change."

According to a staff report presented to Council, the new bylaw and policy are based on the principle that the most effective way to reduce the harmful effects of vehicle emissions is to turn engines off when stopped for an extended period of time.More than a dozen Ontario municipalities, including Oakville, Burlington, Toronto and Markham in the GTA, already have idling control bylaws.

- Metroland News Service