An independent MLA has introduced anti-idling legislation that would see a $100 issued for motorists who idle their vehicles for more than three minutes in a one-hour period. (CBC)

Calgary-Currie MLA Dave Taylor wants to put the brakes on idling.

The Independent member introduced a private members' bill on Tuesday calling for a $100 fine for motorists caught idling their vehicles for more than three minutes in a one-hour period.

"This is designed to stop the practice, that some people engage in, of letting their cars run 10 to 15 minutes in the morning to warm up, letting them run while they pick up the kids at school … It's just not necessary with today's automotive technology," Taylor said.

He said cutting down on idling would keep the air cleaner.

"[It is] something pretty easy that we could all do to make a difference to our greenhouse gas output, to make a difference to our tailpipe emissions, and to make a pretty clear and easy-to-execute statement about the degree to which we care about our environment."

Buses, emergency vehicles and cars idling in temperatures below –23 C should be exempt, Taylor said.

Anti-idling laws already exist in several Canadian municipalities, including Toronto, Vancouver, and St. Albert and Jasper, Alta.

Last week, Nova Scotia became the first province to introduce anti-idling legislation.

If Taylor's private members' bill is approved, it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2012.