Hong Kong, Dec 15 - Hong Kong drivers who leave their vehicle engine idling for over three minutes will be penalised, authorities said.

An ordinance on idling engines came into force in Hong Kong Thursday, said the city's Environmental Protection Department.

The ordinance prohibits drivers from leaving their vehicle engines idling for more than three minutes in any 60-minute period. Drivers that do so will get a penalty notice and will be liable to a 320 HK dollars (about $40) fine, reported Xinhua.

The law will be enforced all year round on all roads, including private roads and car parks.

The ordinance aims at reducing the impact on environment that idling engines cause.

There are exemptions including instances during which a vehicle is stationary because of traffic conditions or because a passenger is boarding or alighting from the Vehicle. (IANS)