Vehicle Idling Policy 58A-2022 (St. George legacy) — full text

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot 0c7f775cf039 · verified 2026-06-07 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

Vehicle Idling Policy (58A-2022) 01/22 Page 1 POLICY 58A-2022 VEHICLE IDLING POLICY 1.0 - BACKGROUND This purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines to address the unnecessary idling of vehicles by the Town of St. George staff. The policy is an effort to reduce fuel consumption and reduce the Town of St. George's carbon footprint. Idling produces unnecessary pollution, causes premature engine wear, and wastes fuel, which increases costs to St. George taxpayers. When a vehicle is stopped for more than thirty (30) seconds, turning off the engine can have a dramatic impact on fuel consumption and the environment. Whereas implementation of this policy requires action and cooperation at all levels of the Town of St. George organization, this policy applies to all employees while operating any Town of St. George owned vehicles, unless otherwise listed as an exception. 2.0 - PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to: - Ensure employees of the Town of St. George conduct daily operations with an increased awareness of and dedication to fuel efficiency and environmental impact; and, - Reduce the mechanical impact of prolonged use to motorized assets; and, - Model environmentally sustainable policies and practices for our community. - To address the Action Plans outlined in the Eastern Charlotte Waterways "Partners for Climate Protection: Charlotte County Local Action Plans for Mitigation" (March 2019) Vehicle Idling Policy (58A-2022) 01/22 Page 2 3.0 - SCOPE This policy shall apply to all diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles which are owned, rented, or leased by the Town of St. George. This policy shall apply to all of the following parties: - Employees of the Town of St. George, full-time and casual, serving in Administration, Public Works, Fire, or any other department of the Town. - Private individuals and groups while offering volunteer services to the Town of St. George. - Contractors completing authorized services for the Town of St. George. 4.0 - POLICY DIRECTIVES - This policy establishes a prohibition of the idling of a vehicle when it is not moving or when the vehicle(s) are not performing work for a period of time greater than thirty (30) seconds OR three (3) minutes in any one-hour period. - Drivers of Town of St. George vehicles shall turn off vehicles when parked and not re- start vehicles until it is necessary to depart. 4.1 - WINTER "WARM-UP" PROCEDURES - In all cases, the Initial "warm up" period should be minimized. - If a vehicle's windows are clear, driving should start after no more than thirty (30) seconds. - Initial "warm up" for diesel vehicles should be limited to five (5) minutes, or as otherwise recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. 4.2 - EXCEPTIONS This policy will not apply under the following conditions: - Vehicles standing in traffic; - Emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, while engaging in operational activities; - Idling when necessary to operate auxiliary equipment that is required to accomplish the intended use of the vehicle (primarily Public Safety); - Vehicles equipped with temperature sensitive equipment or contents; - Idling for maintenance or diagnostic purposes; Vehicle Idling Policy (58A-2022) 01/22 Page 3 - Idling to provide heat within the cab of the vehicle when the Cab is occupied, and the outside temperature is less than 5 degrees Celsius; - Idling to provide cooling within the cab of the vehicle when the Cab is occupied and the outside temperature is more than 27 degrees Celsius, if the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning; - During a period of an emergency, such as an ice storm, flood, or any other act of nature. 5. VIOLATIONS All incidents in violation of this policy will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 6.0 - INQUIRIES Inquiries regarding this Policy can be addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of St. George. 7.0 - APPROVAL Vehicle Idling Policy (58A-2022) Council Review - January 2022 Council Approval - February 14, 2022