The Town of Okotoks has made a decision when it comes to idling vehicles.

Council passed the proposed "Idle Free By-Law" at Monday's meeting effective immediately.

Deputy Mayor Ed Sands says residents will only be able to leave their car running for a very short time before they could be fined.

"So it's three minutes in a 30 minute period when it's above five degrees and ten minutes in a 30 minute period for if it's below zero."

The by-law was put in place to lower overall emissions on Okotoks carbon footprint which Sands says is needed when vehicles are running when they shouldn't be.

 "This will stop vehicles that are parked in a parking lot while a person goes into a building just lets his car run to keep it cold or keep it warm with no consideration to time or the air pollution idling causes."

Sands says further more the No-Idling By-Law will make Okotoks a "greener" place to live.

"It's certainly an issue that's been raised in a number of locations around Canada or around the world," he says. "It's one more step towards leadership and sustainability."

Other highlights from last night's council meeting included the passing of the 40 KM/HR speed limit that will be implement in the community of Air Ranch effective immediately, as well council recently were at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association meeting in Edmonton hoping to catch the eye of the Provincial Government towards the town's water pipeline project.

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