WASHINGTON (Map, News) - A panel is recommending that local governments in the Washington area fine vehicles that are left idling for more than five minutes.

The recommendation by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' Climate Change Steering Committee is an effort to reduce the region's air pollution.

Counties would assess penalties on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions would be granted for emergency vehicles and vehicles stuck in traffic.

The panel also recommends greater telecommuting, denser development near transportation centers and asking the federal government for stronger fuel economy standards.

The Council of Governments is an advisory group composed of the region's elected officials. It has no rule-setting or enforcement powers.

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Information from: The Washington Examiner, http://www.examiner.com