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SALT LAKE CITY — Motorists who leave their vehicles idling for more than two minutes in Utah's capital city may soon be breaking the law.
The Salt Lake City Council discussed the potential benefits and enforceability of a proposed vehicle idling ordinance during a work session Tuesday.
City officials say the ordinance presented to the City Council incorporates feedback from the public and stipulates exceptions to the two-minute idling restriction — such as idling in extreme temperatures. It also cuts in half the fine for noncompliance.
First offenses would result in a warning, but additional citations would be subject to a fine.
Bianca Shreeve, assistant to the chief of staff in Mayor Ralph Becker's office, said the majority of public responses supported enacting a vehicle idling ordinance.
Shreeve described the ordinance as a "great next step" in the city's effort to address concerns about poor air quality. Many entities directly affected by idling vehicles are on board with the idea, she said.
"We've really had great support from our local schools," Shreeve said.
Council members expressed concerns about the ordinance, asking if it would be enforceable and what it realistically would achieve.
Council Chairwoman Jill Remington Love said the most common concern voiced by her constituents was whether the ordinance would be largely symbolic.
"Do we really think we'll be writing some tickets?" Love asked.
Enforcement of the ordinance would fall largely to parking officers. Several council members noted that there isn't much of a parking enforcement presence outside the downtown area.
Shreeve said people also would be able to make online complaints if they observe vehicles idling for long periods of time.
"I think it's a great direction, but I'm concerned that when we get that complaint, our enforcement officers will be nowhere near it," Love said.
Councilman Van Turner said the ordinance would need to be flexible. Turner used the example of a car with a malfunctioning battery, where shutting off the engine would require a jump-start to get moving again.
"I may be violating the ordinance, but I really have no choice," he said. "I like turning my car off, but sometimes I've got to keep it running just to get home."
Councilman Luke Garrott made several comments that suggested the ordinance would not do enough to result in air quality change. Garrott spoke about the other causes of air pollution, such as businesses and industrial sites, and touched briefly on the effect the regulation would have on drive-through businesses like fast food restaurants.
"That would be interesting," Councilman Carlton Christensen said. "Speed traps at drive-ups."
A public hearing on the ordinance is expected to be held in the coming weeks.
Email:benwood@ksl.com
