Press Release
MARCH 18th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE: 561-671-4013
FAX:
561-837-5197
JON BARLOW 355-3070
x 1182 |
Palm
Beach County, FL – The
Palm Beach County Health
Department Air Pollution
Division has been charged
with educating owners and
operators of heavy-duty
diesel engine powered motor
vehicles to limit idling to
under five consecutive
minutes.
The new law went into effect in December 2008 and Health
Department officials have
been working on ways to
educate owners and operators
of diesel engine vehicles
with a gross vehicle weight
of 8,500 pounds or more on
the intent of the new law.
“This is an excellent first step in helping to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Simply turning an engine off
when not needed immediately
stops it from polluting,”
said Health Department
Environmental Specialist Jon
Barlow.
The law applies to all commercial, governmental, or public
purpose vehicles used on
roads for the transportation
of passengers or freight.
Gross vehicle weight is the
value specified by the
manufacturer as the maximum
design loaded weight of a
single vehicle.
The idling restriction has a
few exemptions that
guarantee safe operation of
the vehicle, its freight and
driver. Exemptions include:
-
Idling while stopped for
traffic conditions
-
Buses can idle for 10
minutes prior to
passenger loading to
assure comfort
-
Armored vehicles loading
and unloading with a
person always inside
-
Emergency vehicles
responding to an
incident
-
Idling for inspection
and maintenance of a
vehicle
-
Idling for vehicle
operations like a hoist,
pump, crane, controlling
cargo temperature, or
auxiliary equipment
other than air
conditioner
-
Idling while driver is
sleeping or resting in a
sleeper berth (this
exemption expires
September 30, 2013)
-
Idling to operate
heaters, defrosters, air
conditioners to prevent
a safety or health
emergency, but not
solely for the comfort
of the driver.
Further information can be
obtained by calling the
Health Department at
561-355-3070 Ext. 1182 or on
the website at
www.pbchd.com
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