I don't mind doing my part to stop idling, but what is being done to stop the heavy-duty vehicles (e.g. large trucks) from idling unnecessarily?

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is working directly with the commercial sector to coordinate initiatives such as the FleetSmart Program, which encourages the commercial sector to stop unnecessary idling.

As part of Mississauga's Anti-Idling Campaign, the City is also inviting local industries and businesses to reduce unnecessary idling.

If an individual wishes to do their part and report a truck that is emitting black smoke, they should call the Ministry of the Environment at 1-888-758-2999 (Mon. to Fri.) and report the vehicle type, licence plate number, company name, and when and where the truck was spotted.

Why is the general public, who drive smaller light-duty vehicles being targeted before solving the idling problems associated with heavy-duty vehicles in the commercial sector?

NRCan has extensive research on the transportation sector and has determined that targeting the public sector first has a more direct impact. Heavy duty vehicles contribute 32 per cent of all road greenhouse gas emissions, while light duty vehicles account for 65 per cent.

Buses and trucks may be bigger and seem more imposing, but in reality there are more than 17 million cars on the road today. Individual Canadians undoubtedly have a significant role to play in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions produced by unnecessary vehicle idling.

Is anything being done to reduce idling of Mississauga Transit buses?

Yes, the City of Mississauga currently has a policy that limits buses from idling extensively. Although you may see some City buses idling, it is important to remember that a bus represents 40 single-occupancy vehicles which are not on the road. If these 40 cars were to idle for 5 minutes (our national daily idling average according NRCan) it would be equivalent to 200 minutes or 3.33 hours. Therefore, transit buses play an important role in reducing overall emissions in our community.

The City recognizes there is a need for improvement and is currently conducting research with Mississauga's fleet to determine how best to develop and implement an idling strategy for this unique target group.

What else is the City of Mississauga doing to stop unnecessary idling within their own Corporate operations?

The Mississauga Air Technical Quality Advisory (MAQTAC) Committee has been working for several years on getting its ‘own house in order' prior to asking the public to do its part. The committee has put into place several action plans to help improve Mississauga's air quality and the majority of these action plans focus on improving our own corporate operations such as the City's Smog Alert Response Plan.

The City of Mississauga knows it must take a leadership role with its own internal operations. However, as environmental issues become increasingly prevalent across our country it becomes important for everyone to take action.

Does the CIty of Mississauga have an Anti-Idling By-law?

No, the City does not have an anti-idling by-law. Federal government research has concluded that anti-idling by-laws are not as effective as public education campaigns to encourage drivers to give up their idling habit. This is why Mississauga has been promoting public awareness to reduce unnecessary vehicle emissions. Our public message is to turn off your engine if you are parked for more than 10 seconds.

Why do I see emergency service vehicles idling their engines?

Emergency responders such as police, ambulance and fire services have vehicles that need to remain powered up because of on-board computerized equipment and hydraulics. Due to this, emergency service vehicles are exempted under existing anti-idling by-laws in municipalities where such by-laws are in place.

Why does there seem to be more engine idling in the peak of winter and summer?

Canadians can experience extreme weather. Very hot and very cold temperatures are conditions that are usually exempt from an anti-idling by-law because of safety and comfort issues.

There are so many different things people can do to improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, why has Mississauga chosen to focus on vehicle idling?

Unnecessary vehicle idling is a significant problem in our country. Canadian motorists idle their vehicles an average of five to 10 minutes per day. Emissions from idling vehicles are completely unnecessary and can be easily prevented by just turning your key.

If every driver of a light-duty vehicle in Canada avoided idling for just five minutes per day, we would prevent more than 3,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each day. Turning your car off if you are parked for more than 10 seconds is something that every driver can easily do and it will make a big difference.