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NLIS 6
June 5, 2006
(Environment and Conservation)
 

Idle free zone campaign encourage motorists to turn off vehicle while waiting

As part of Environment Week, Environment and Conservation Minister, Clyde Jackman today officially launched the province�s idle free zone campaign to encourage motorists to turn off their vehicle while waiting. Minister Jackman was joined by the executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association Paul Thomey. The official launch took place at the West Block, Main Entrance, Confederation Building.

"Unnecessary vehicle idling is damaging our health, costing motorists millions of dollars in wasted fuel every year and is a major contributor to climate change and other environmental problems," said Minister Jackman.

The transportation sector is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador at 38 per cent of total emissions. Idling a vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses an average of 100 litres of gas a year. Trevor Taylor, Minister of Trasnportation and Works said: "That means every car and truck in our province releases 240 kg (530 lbs) of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. We need to bring that number down."

"In addition to this Idle Free Zone campaign, the Department of Transportation and Works is in the process of developing a policy to address idling for all government-owned vehicles throughout the province," added Minister Taylor.

"It is estimated that more than 5,000 Canadians die prematurely each year because of air pollution, and thousands more become needlessly ill," said Minister of Health and Community Services Tom Osborne. "Even in our province, air pollution causes unnecessary difficulty for children, elderly people and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis."

Minister Jackman noted that the reduction in emissions from idling vehicles is a key factor in improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving fuel and protecting our environment. "Establishing idle free zones around public buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions shows government�s commitment to taking action on unnecessary vehicle idling as stated in our Climate Action Plan released in June 2005," said the minister.

Government is challenging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reduce their impact on the environment and specifically, reduce emissions produced by vehicles. "The best way to lead is by example and accordingly, this government is introducing idle free zones around all government buildings," said Minister Taylor.

Idle free zone signs have been placed in front of all provincial government buildings. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador asks all of its employees and visitors to respect the Idle Free Zones and everyone�s desire to breathe clean air by eliminating unnecessary vehicle idling around government buildings.

Media contact:

Diane Hart, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401.
Dave Salter, Transportation and Works, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577
Tansy Mundon, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

IDLING FACTS AND STATISTICs

  • An idling vehicle emits nearly 20 times more air pollution than when traveling at 50 km/hr.
  • It is estimated that an idling gasoline vehicle with an average sized engine uses about 2.2 litres of fuel per hour and an idling diesel truck engine uses about 3 litres of fuel per hour. Reducing idling time will save money.
  • Vehicle manufactures report that turning off and starting an engine uses LESS fuel than letting the engine run for more than 10 seconds.
  • Modern vehicles need a maximum of 30 seconds of idle at start up even in cold weather (temperatures greater than -30E C). The best way to warm up a vehicle is by driving it.
  • Engine wear is greater with prolonged idle than during normal operation.
  • Although some fuels pollute less than others, all contribute to air pollution and are, therefore, harmful to the environment.
  • The following exemptions have been established to facilitate the effective provision of emergency response, diagnosis of repairs and for the safety of vehicle occupants in extreme weather conditions.

    Idling free zones do not apply to the following:

  • Vehicle/equipment that need to idle while undergoing maintenance and diagnostic procedures;
  • Extreme weather conditions (0E C or below / +30E C or above) or any other circumstance where the health and safety of vehicle occupants or other�s may be jeopardized;
  • Where the unit is not expected to restart due to mechanical problems;
  • While assisting on an emergency scene; and,
  • While operating auxiliary equipment when the engine is required to power such equipment, e.g. hoist, lift, computers, safety lighting, and internal equipment.
  • 2006 05 06                               2:35 p.m.


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