In Outremont, it will soon no longer be possible to leave your car’s engine running for more than ten seconds when it is stationary. The new regulation, which must be ratified by the Outremont borough council Tuesday evening, will only apply when the mercury indicates between 0°C and 25°C.
“Through this innovative measure, the strictest of its kind in Quebec, I wish to send a strong message that every gesture counts in order to limit our ecological footprint,” commented the mayor of Outremont and member of Ensemble Montréal on Monday. , Laurent Desbois.
Until now, the regulations allowed you to leave the engine of your stationary vehicle running for up to three minutes.
According to the district, studies confirm that beyond ten seconds, a car does not consume more fuel if the engine is turned off and then started again than if it is idling. This modification to the regulation was suggested by the climate emergency committee set up by the Desbois administration after taking office in 2021. This committee had the mandate to identify measures likely to limit CO emissions.2.
However, the regulation provides for several exceptions. Thus, the new rules will not apply to emergency vehicles, taxis between November 1 and March 31, electric or hybrid vehicles, as well as vehicles immobilized due to traffic jams, heavy traffic or a traffic light. They also protect vehicles covered in frost or black ice when the owner is working to make it safe.
Enforcement of the regulation will be ensured by the Outremont Public Security Service and offenders are exposed to fines ranging from $150 to $350 for a first offense, and from $350 to $600 for a repeat offense.
The regulatory changes should be adopted on Tuesday for entry into force in the following days.