Toronto cracks down on leaf blowers, noisy cars?

Toronto is considering a tougher approach to heavy vehicles and leaf blowers in response to civilian complaints.

Vehicles that are too noisy drivers are advised to report to the Toronto City Hall that they will have to face greater fines and the disadvantages of a driver's license. ..

City license and standards staff have also proposed that Congress take further steps to limit the time when leaf blowers and similar equipment can be used, but the gas powered system is complete. It did not reach the point of recommending a ban.

"(The Noise Bylaw) provides noise standards and applies to all real estate in Toronto," said a report submitted to the Economic and Community Development Commission Wednesday. “We need to balance the desires of all residents to enjoy their homes and the environment. In a large and vibrant city like Toronto, a certain level of noise is reasonable and in a densely populated city. It reflects life. ”

To reduce noise from gas-powered leaf blowers, speed breaches, and modified vehicles during public consultations on the Ordinance. Approximately 900 emails have been received from the general public and groups asking for further action. And bars and nightclubs.

Maps of vehicle noise complaints received by the city over the past few years show that they are concentrated not only in the pockets at the western end of the city, but also in the heart of downtown.

"A particular area of ​​the city was mentioned by many respondents, including people living near Lakeshore, Gardiner, DVP, and Yorkville," the report said. "Many respondents cite frequent cases of nighttime street races and stunt races. The majority of respondents particularly favored enhanced enforcement of speed-violating vehicles, modified vehicles and unnecessary. We have demanded stricter penalties for vehicles that cause noise in vehicles. "

The city officially demands that the state government increase the fines of the Highway Traffic Act. is needed. Currently, fines of $ 110 or more are imposed for violations such as mufflers and noise violations, and disadvantage points are added to the fines. According to the staff report.

The city also prohibits muffler cutouts, straight exhausts, gut mufflers, Hollywood mufflers, bypasses or similar equipment in car stores, and all licensed facilities must comply. Educational campaigns should be launched to remind you not to be federal, state and local regulations as a condition of the license, according to the report.

Many of the people who participated in the talks were concerned about gas-powered leaf blowers.

A letter from the Deer Park Residents Group's Noise and Pollution Action Committee dated May 23 is typical, with gas-powered leaf blowers as a noise and environmental hazard to health. Called a serious threat.

"We support immediate action to limit or ban the use of gas leaf blowers and related equipment," the group says. "More than 200 municipalities across North America have already done so. We are lagging behind and are not leading in this area."

City officials, individuals and most businesses We recommend that you do not allow the use of leaf blowers (gas or electric) on your property by 8 am on weekdays.

Currently, the Leaf Blower cannot be started until 9 pm. Most days until 7am, Sundays and legal holidays until 9am.

"Staff do not recommend banning 2-stroke small engine equipment from a noise standpoint," the report said, with complaints about other noise such as amplified sound and structure. It's still common.

The report states that the Noise Ordinance needs to be amended to exclude delivery to businesses such as restaurants and the use of leaf blowers on golf courses.

If the committee turns a staff recommendation into a green light, it will be submitted to the city council for final approval.

aartuso@postmedia.com