Stop Idling - Or Else!

Next week, sitting in your car could cost you big time. The City of Toronto has announced (why do they tell us these things in advance?) a weeklong blitz targeting drivers who idle for more than the allowable three minutes. Less than thirty seconds is preferred. The campaign is organized by The Clean Air Partnership in an effort to reduce air pollution and smog. Is it a good idea to encourage drivers to turn off their engines and avoid unnecessary fumes and waste? Of course. Is the way to do it through a massive cash grab that takes advantage of unsuspecting motorists? Probably not, but too late.

Today, just for practice, turn your car off. Not just for the environment, but for your wallet. If you get ticketed next week, expect a fine of $105. A pretty steep price for sitting around and doing nothing. And keep an extra eye out. You never know when they'll try the old banana in the tailpipe trick that Axel Foley used to escape in "Beverly Hills Cop".