Anti-idling on radar

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 15, 2013 1:00 AM

Vernon is cracking down on idling vehicles, but  some politicians believe the rule is a lot of hot air. Three readings of an anti-idling bylaw have been approved and it will apply to vehicles operating while sitting for more than five minutes.  Lone opposition came from Coun. Catherine Lord. “I’d rather see us do a campaign to educate people and encourage them instead of regulating,” she said. “How do we enforce it?” Coun. Bob Spiers voted for the motion, but he also questions the viability of the process. “It’s a bylaw that should only be enforced in non-parking zones and in back alleys,” he said. “I hope we don’t see bylaw officers walking up and down residential streets.” If the bylaw is adopted, the penalty for idling could range from $250 to $10,000.