Edmonton considers $250 idling fine

Edmonton city councillors are considering imposing a $250 fine for people who idle their vehicles near hospitals or schools.

The fine is part of an anti-idling bylaw under consideration by council.

City administration was asked to look into a more limited bylaw after a public backlash over a proposed city-wide law banning idling for more than three minutes in temperatures of -10C or colder. 

The new bylaw would ban vehicles, except for taxis, buses and emergency vehicles, from idling for more than three minutes in no-idling zones around schools and hospitals.

The ban, supported by both Edmonton school boards and Alberta Health Services, would apply even in the coldest weather.

"That's a pretty big fine," said parent Lindsay Creedon outside a west-end school. "There has to be some kind of rule for it."

Other parents say it's unfair to expect them to choose between a fine and keeping their children warm.

"If bylaw gives you a $250 dollar ticket for keeping your car warm — to not get sick and your kids doesn't get sick — I don't think that's going to work," said Fraiddon Haiderzoy.

The report will be discussed by council's executive committee on Wednesday. Two years ago councillors voted down an anti-idling bylaw.