Vehicles that idle unnecessarily increase greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Please turn off your engine when you are waiting in your vehicle at a school, transit terminal, shopping mall or other location in our community. You'll save fuel and reduce your impact on the environment.
Did you know?
- The City of Burlington has an idling control bylaw that limits unnecessary idling to one minute? The parking and idling bylaw is enforced by city parking enforcement officers. As of Apr. 1, 2017, tickets for unnecessary idling are $120.
- Check out the following Take Action Burlington blog posts about common idling myths, idling awareness in Burlington and a back to school reminder for drivers.
School Campaigns
Burlington provides resources to schools running idling awareness campaigns. These campaigns remind parents and caregivers to turn their engines off while waiting to pick up students. Contact sustainability staff at 905-335-7600, ext. 7580 or 7931 or email environment@burlington.ca for the following items:
Idling Signs
Do you want to purchase a sign for your business or school?
Idling signs measure 12 x 18 inches and can be purchased for $23.70 + HST. Pick up your sign at City Hall to avoid shipping charges.
Contact sustainability staff at 905-335-7600, ext. 7580 or 7931 or email environment@burlington.ca to order.
Report Excessive Idling
- Business Hours - call Parking Services at 905-335-7816 or email parking@burlington.ca
(Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) - After-Hours - call Halton Regional Police at 905-878-5511
(ask for "dispatch" and Police will send a Parking Officer)
Please note that for any unnecessary idling, officers need to observe the idling for one minute as per the bylaw.
| Year | # of Tickets | # of Warnings |
| 2009 June to Dec. | 15 | 31 |
| 2010 | 13 | 1 |
| 2011 | 10 | 24 |
| 2012 | 7 | 2 |
| 2013 | 15 | 6 |
| 2014 | 13 | 2 |
| 2015 | 9 | 3 |
| 2016 | 21 | 0 |
| 2017 | 8 | 0 |
| 2018 | 9 | 0 |
| Total | 120 | 69 |