The City of Ottawa announced on Thursday that it would be enforcing a newly expanded bylaw restricting how long vehicles can idle in Ottawa.

For unoccupied vehicles, cars may idle for only one minute per hour regardless of the temperature.

Social media users, primarily those who work labor and small business, remain concerned as idling is a common morning tactic to warm up the car while shoveling the driveway, clearing debris, and packing equipment.

The  city says the bylaws are meant to “help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.”

The bylaws also include a three-minute-per-hour restriction for occupied vehicles when the outdoor temperature is between 0 and 27 degrees Celsius, and a ten-minute-per-hour limit for when the temperature is below 0 or above 27.

The fine for violating these bylaws starts at $500 minimum, up to $100,000 for repeated or ‘egregious’ cases.

This law has invoked concerns about how it may be enforced, with the city calling on residents to report idlers on the city’s phone line (311).

These changes to the already enacted bylaw came into effect with the new year; however, the original 2007 bylaw remains unavailable for public viewing on the City of Ottawa website.

At a time of cold winter challenges, economic dissatisfaction, and the continued pressure of environmental laws and bylaws, the City of Ottawa continues to frustrate residents.