2008 Woodie Awards
City steering toward anti-idling laws
Courtney Zantz
Issue date: 5/20/08 Section: News
Newark's Conservation Advisory Commission is considering proposing an anti-idling ordinance - a regulation that prohibits people from leaving their vehicle running while they are stopped.
Steven Dentel, chairman of the CAC and a of civil and environmental engineering, said he decided to introduce his idea for an anti-idling ordinance in Newark for several reasons.
"I have seen people leave their cars idling in parking lots when they go into stores and don't turn off their engine - many times a husband waiting for his wife in the car while she shops," Dentel said. "There's no reason to do this. It causes many environmental problems."
He said vehicle idling is a waste of natural resources, causes air pollution and generates excessive noise.
Dentel said he often sees drivers idling their cars or school buses outside of schools while waiting to pick up students. This practice is harmful to the children as well as the environment.
He said at the CAC's meeting on May 13, the committee examined the possible ordinances that might be used for Newark and questioned if Delaware has an anti-idling law.
Newark Mayor Vance A. Funk III stated in an e-mail message he would support a statewide anti-idling law.
"Having a special city-only ordinance would require posting of highly visible signs at all roads entering the city in which they would be enforceable," Funk said. "We need to fight pollution in the entire region."
Dentel said the committee will be dealing with more details of a proposal at its June meeting. If a proposal is passed by the committee, it would then go to Newark City Council for a vote.
Several states already have anti-idling laws, he said. Most of those laws prohibit motorists from idling their vehicles for more than five minutes, unless they are stopped in traffic or need the vehicle's power to operate unloading equipment. Emergency vehicles are also exempted.
Dentel said in other states, fines for violating anti-idling laws can range from $50 to $500 for a first violation.
Steven Dentel, chairman of the CAC and a of civil and environmental engineering, said he decided to introduce his idea for an anti-idling ordinance in Newark for several reasons.
"I have seen people leave their cars idling in parking lots when they go into stores and don't turn off their engine - many times a husband waiting for his wife in the car while she shops," Dentel said. "There's no reason to do this. It causes many environmental problems."
He said vehicle idling is a waste of natural resources, causes air pollution and generates excessive noise.
Dentel said he often sees drivers idling their cars or school buses outside of schools while waiting to pick up students. This practice is harmful to the children as well as the environment.
He said at the CAC's meeting on May 13, the committee examined the possible ordinances that might be used for Newark and questioned if Delaware has an anti-idling law.
Newark Mayor Vance A. Funk III stated in an e-mail message he would support a statewide anti-idling law.
"Having a special city-only ordinance would require posting of highly visible signs at all roads entering the city in which they would be enforceable," Funk said. "We need to fight pollution in the entire region."
Dentel said the committee will be dealing with more details of a proposal at its June meeting. If a proposal is passed by the committee, it would then go to Newark City Council for a vote.
Several states already have anti-idling laws, he said. Most of those laws prohibit motorists from idling their vehicles for more than five minutes, unless they are stopped in traffic or need the vehicle's power to operate unloading equipment. Emergency vehicles are also exempted.
Dentel said in other states, fines for violating anti-idling laws can range from $50 to $500 for a first violation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Courtney
posted 9/24/08 @ 1:26 PM EST
It makes me really upset to see people idling. I find it to be incredibly stupid. If it's the summer time and you want to keep cool, bring some ice water with you in the car. (Continued…)
John
posted 11/17/08 @ 4:10 AM EST
What would people expect to do in the winter while leaving their car in idle in order to warm the engine up? If you drive the vehicle all winter and never warm it up, you're in for some serious mechanical issues. (Continued…)
Josh
posted 11/21/08 @ 11:48 AM EST
Idling uses hardly any gasoline and is actually good for your car when you just start the engine. This is a stupid proposition; if you're so worried about emissions curb high speed driving which pollutes way more than an engine idling in neutral. (Continued…)
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