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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Policy:
AD-022
Coverage:
Town of Stellarton
Council Approval: May 9, 2022
Effective Date:
May, 10, 2022
## Policy Intent
The Town of Stellarton is committed to becoming a healthy, sustainable, and vibrant community. This includes an integrated systems approach to clean air, land, water, and energy, through a sustainable approach to the services and programs we deliver.
Vehicle emissions produce pollutants that contribute to climate change, smog, and acid rain - some of the biggest environmental problems facing our planet today.
Reducing unnecessary idling has a positive effect on our air, land, and water.
## Policy Statement
The Town of Stellarton has established a Vehicle Anti Idling Policy which places limitations on engine idling. This policy applies to all vehicles used by Stellarton employees in the performance of their duties.
## Definitions
Idling: The engine is running while the vehicle is stationary, or the piece of equipment is not performing work.
Vehicle: Any on road, or off road, self-propelled vehicle that is required to be registered and have a license plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Equipment: Any self-propelled/person-operated equipment used in support of municipal operations and services. (Lawn mowers, bush cutters, etc.)
## Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to reduce the effect of the Town of Stellarton's operations on our physical environment by:
- Reducing air pollution from vehicle and equipment exhaust;
- Promoting energy conservation;
- Reducing noise pollution;
- Reducing wear and tear on municipal vehicles and equipment;
- Reducing operational costs.
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## VEHICLE ANTI-IDLING
## Idling Limitations
To ensure we approach vehicle idling in a consistent manner, all employees operating municipal vehicles and equipment must adhere to the following idling limitations:
- Vehicles shall never be left idling when unattended;
- Engine warm up periods shall not exceed one (1) minute (provided air pressure for air brake systems are fully charged and all safety provisions are in place);
- Vehicles shall be shut down whenever idling periods are expected to exceed one (1) minute.
## Exceptions
As with all policies, there will be some scenarios which are not conducive to the implementation of the limitations described above. Therefore, exceptions to this policy have been identified and only exists under the following circumstances:
- For vehicle maintenance and diagnosis purposes (to be kept to a minimum);
- Under extreme weather conditions or any other time when the health and safety of the employee or others may be jeopardized;
- To enable proper snow/ice clearing from vehicles;
- If the unit is not expected to be able to restart due to a mechanical problem - in this case, the vehicle is to be sent for repair;
- Vehicles that need to be running to support operational requirements or while on an emergency scene;
- Engine is immediately required to power auxiliary equipment (hoist, lift platforms, hydraulic pumps, water pumps, etc.);
- This policy does not apply to typical stop and go traffic, or when the unit is used for traffic control and is required to be running.
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## Clerk's Annotation for Official Policy Book
Date of Notice to Council Members of Intent
April 25, 2022
To Consider (Minimum 7 Days):
Date of Passage of Current Policy:
May 9, 2022
I certify that this Policy was adopted by Council as indicated above.
Chief Administrative Officer
May 10.2022
Date