Anti-Idling Policy

Purpose:

This policy is in support of the City’s sustainability policy, green initiatives, and intended to save on fuel costs.

Background:

Vehicle idling gets zero miles per gallon; unnecessary idling wastes fuel and creates air pollution. Idling also causes additional unnecessary wear on internal engine components. The break-even point for shutting off and restarting gasoline engines or leaving it to idle is 30 seconds, both from the point of view of both emissions and fuel consumption.

Procedure:

Effective immediately, unless exempted, no City vehicle or piece of equipment is to be idled when in a non traffic-flow situation. When sitting still for any period of time (beyond 1 minute) the operator of the vehicle/equipment is to turn-off the unit and remove the key (if exiting the vehicle) until the engine is needed again for movement or its intended operational
purpose.