Drivers who leave their cars idling for more than three minutes will face a stiff fine under a new bylaw that won preliminary approval this week.

An anti-idling regulation approved by council committee on Monday proposes a $100 ticket for violators caught in the act by local bylaw officers.

The coming measure “is a concrete step that can be taken to help reduce … unnecessary emissions,” said Peter Dance, public works director.

Dance said he was recently aghast to watch the driver of a large truck leave his vehicle running as he shopped at a local convenience store.

“He had a lot of money to spend on gas, evidently, and didn’t need to turn his truck off,” recalled Dance.

The bylaw, which would take effect following an approval at the next regular meeting of council, also applies to vehicles located on private property.

It will not apply to vehicles waiting in line at local drive-through restaurants.

Dance, however, is hoping motorists who find themselves stationary for a prolonged period will voluntarily shut down their vehicles, at least “until they can move forward four or five spaces.”

Exemptions are also made for vehicles involved in emergencies, city buses that are temporarily stopped with passengers on board, and armored vehicles where guards are inside or are in the process of loading or unloading goods.

Coun. Wayne Gardy charged that a section of the proposed regulation infringes on residents’ rights by allowing bylaw officers to enter a private property to ensure compliance.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is working to raise awareness of the environmental problems associated with idling, while debunking the myths that encourage it, said Marina Whelan, manager of health protection services.

“People believe you need to warm up your car for five or 10 minutes in the winter, but you don’t,” said Whelan. “It should be 30 seconds max on the coldest of days.”

Drivers who use remote starters are likely to find it difficult to adapt to the proposed bylaw, suggested Coun. Joe Fecht.

“I think they are going to be particularly challenged,” he added.

The bylaw follows a public consultation process that began in the fall of 2006, staff added.

Bracebridge and Collingwood each have bylaws governing idling, with fines ranging from $100 to $200.