Turn it Off - Toronto's program to reduce car idling
An Effective Practice
Description
Transportation behavior has a significant effect on the environment. Idling a vehicle adds emissions to our atmosphere, which in turn deteriorates air quality and contributes to smog and climate change. Toronto’s “Turn it Off” initiative sought to encourage motorists to avoid idling their cars when picking up or dropping off at school or at public transportation terminals.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has also has a national anti-idling program and has developed an Idle-Free Zone Web site (http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/idling.cfm?attr=8), with information and tools one can use to take action in reducing vehicle idling at the local level.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has also has a national anti-idling program and has developed an Idle-Free Zone Web site (http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/idling.cfm?attr=8), with information and tools one can use to take action in reducing vehicle idling at the local level.
Goal / Mission
Toronto’s “Turn it Off” initiative sought to encourage motorists to avoid idling their cars when picking up or dropping off at school or at public transportation terminals, which in turn would improve air quality and help reduce urban contribution to climate change.
Results / Accomplishments
Toronto’s pilot project reduced the incidence of engine idling by 32 percent and the duration of idling by 73 percent.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Resources Canada (NRCan)
Primary Contact
Topics
Community / Transportation
Environmental Health / Air
Environmental Health
Environmental Health / Air
Environmental Health
Organization(s)
Resources Canada (NRCan)
Date of publication
Oct 2003
Date of implementation
2002
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Toronto
For more details
Target Audience
Adults