Municipal employees in the Region of Waterloo shall not allow a vehicle to idle for more than ten seconds as stated in the definition of idling.

Rationale The idling control policy has been established in accordance with the Waterloo Region Clean Air Plan short term strategy (# 4) to “develop and implement a municipal protocol that prohibits idling of vehicles when not in use.” Municipalities in the Region of Waterloo adopted the Clean Air Plan in 1999 in efforts to improve local air quality. Unnecessary vehicle idling impacts air quality, respiratory health and increases operational costs. Definitions Idling The operation of the engine of a vehicle while the vehicle is not in motion and not being used to operate auxiliary equipment that is essential to the basic operation of the vehicle. To idle for more than ten seconds uses more fuel than turning off the vehicle and restarting it again. If a vehicle is going to be stopped for ten seconds or more, the engine should be turned off. Vehicle A motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor or road-building machine as defined in the Highway Traffic Act and any vehicle drawn, propelled or driven by any kind of non-muscular power, but does not include cars of electric or diesel electric railways running only upon rails. Vehicle also includes a motorized snow vehicle (or other conveyance which operates by way of a combustion engine) and personal vehicles used for work related activities. Transit Vehicle Public transit vehicles, tour buses and motor coaches. Layover A stopping point along a transit route for a maximum of 10 minutes used by transit vehicles to allow transit vehicles to adjust to service schedules. Stopover A scheduled delay of a maximum of 10 minutes at a public transit vehicle terminal to allow public transit vehicles to adjust service schedules. Mobile work vehicles i) a vehicle containing equipment that must be operated inside or in association with the vehicle (i.e. garbage and snow removal vehicles); or ii) a vehicle used for the purpose of police, fire or ambulance service. Exemptions The idling control policy does not apply to the following: Police, fire or ambulance vehicles while engaged in operational activities, including training and patient transfer activities; Vehicles assisting in an emergency activity; Mobile work vehicles while they are in the course of being used for their basic function; Vehicles where idling is required as part of the repair process or to prepare the vehicle for service; Mechanical style engines (i.e. diesel) which require specific shut down procedures; During extreme cold weather/heat alerts where idling may be necessary for the well being of the operator and/or transit assengers; Vehicles engaged in a parade or race or any other event authorized by the municipality; Transit vehicles while passengers are embarking or disembarking en route or in terminals; Transit vehicles while at a layover or stopover location (with passengers on the bus). (Note - for those periods when there are no passengers/operator on board the engine should be turned off). Vehicles transporting a person where a medical doctor certifies in writing that for medical reasons a person in a vehicle requires that temperature or humidity be maintained within a certain range; Vehicles that are required to idle in order to keep in operation a heating or refrigeration system necessary for the welfare or preservation of the cargo contained therein; Safety is the primary consideration of the operator. In situations where shutting off the engine may compromise safety, vehicles may idle under the discretion of the operator (i.e. stopped in traffic). Endorsement Idling is a community issue and requires broad participation. As leaders in the community, it is important that front line staff lead by example to the public to set a higher standard of behaviour. The idling protocol will be promoted to, and reinforced by the community. Feedback will be provided to the Citizens' Advisory Committee on Air Quality, Waterloo Region, (CACAQ)(WR). This is in support of the Idling Reduction Campaign goal - to reduce emissions caused by unnecessary idling of vehicles and improve air quality and respiratory health of residents.