Idling

On this page:

• Idle-free Huntsville
• Idling impacts
• Tips to avoid idling
• Fleet vehicles
• Our response

Idle-free Huntsville

Cutting out idling is the easiest way to cut your fuel bill and reduce Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Engine idling is when the car engine is running while the vehicle is stationary, such as at a red light. The amount of time you let your car engine idle can have a significant impact on emissions and local air quality.

The transport sector is Muskoka’s largest polluter, pumping out almost 75% of our total greenhouse gas emissions. But everyday drivers can make a difference.

In Muskoka, according to the 2018 GHG inventory, 74% of all GHG emissions in Muskoka are caused by tailpipe emissions of burning fossil fuels in vehicles.

Excessive idling (idling for longer than five minutes) could increase this contribution further, particularly for trucks and buses. When you also consider how extensive idling may create pollution hot spots around schools, hospitals and playgrounds, this isn’t something to take lightly.

Town of Huntsville By-law #2023-27 prohibits idling over five (5) minute (unless exempted).

Idling is a waste of fuel and money, and while GHG emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are unavoidable, emissions from idling vehicles are completely unnecessary and can be easily prevented...with the turn of a key.

Tips to avoid idling

Some idling is unavoidable such as waiting for a traffic light or driving in congested conditions, but other idling is unnecessary, such as while parked. Drivers simply have to turn their engines off while parked. You can still have a hands-free conversation using Bluetooth or charge your phone when the car is in accessory mode.

• Crack open a window to maintain comfortable conditions, rather than switching on the air conditioner.
• Use a block heater to keep the engine warm in cold weather. Warm up your car simply by driving.
• Avoid using a remote car starter. These devices encourage you to start your vehicle before you are ready to leave, which means unnecessary idling.
• Turn off your engine when dropping off kids at or waiting for them outside the school.
• Avoid the drive-thru and take advantage of ordering ahead.
• Buy a fuel efficient vehicle or consider an eligible electric vehicle.  
• Where possible use active transportation (bike, walk, and roll) or take public transit.
• For more information visit Natural Resources Canada's Idle-Free Zone website.

Fleet vehicles

Commercial vehicles can idle for long periods of time. Fleet operators and logistics companies are therefore in a good position to roll out idle reduction initiatives and save on operating (fuel) costs while reducing emissions. What can my company do?

Adopt Idling Reduction Policies for fleets with larger diesel engines is possible. A good idling control policy should educate operators on the economic, social and environmental costs of unnecessary idling of diesel engines.

Diesel engines may have different requirements than gasoline engines, but unnecessary idling still pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear.

Check out Natural Resources Canada SmartDriver training series and FLEETSMART Idling Gets You Nowhere.

Our response

The Town is actively working to reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions locally.

The municipality is also looking at how to reduce emissions within its fleet, be it transit or rightsizing  staff vehicles to the job.