Vancouver Idle

Walking home along the Sea Wall last night John and I reveled at the marvelous view (seen here to the left). It was a clear night, which can be kinda rare here in the later summer months.

Drivers in Vancouver are now going to get the opportunity to help improve the local environment (even though it might be terribly inconvenient)

Myth: Turning your engine off and on uses more fuel than if you just let it idle [idlefree]

I’ve been spotting ads on the back of buses for a few days. The City of Vancouver has now passed a By Law stating those who idle their car for 3 minutes or more are subject to fines.

Sean Pander with the city sustainability group says the new bylaw is about encouraging people to reduce their emissions. “…..our hope is the public education works and people are aware again of the myths around vehicle idling that they’ll want to stop idling” [cknw]

On the news this morning it seemed like it was much more of an environmental issue than a money grab by the City. Since I sold my car shortly after moving downtown this isn’t so much a personal issue anymore but let’s break it down.

Plus sides: You will save on gas and this will hopefully reduce emissions leading to that ugly smoggy blanket you can see lurking above on those dry muggy days (which eventually gets blown out to the Valley and senior citizens & those with asthma in Chilliwack will suffer).

Down sides: I suppose taxis (who are not exempt) might be annoyed. As well as anyone just ‘running into the store really quick’ who doesn’t want to bother parking but puts on their 4-ways thus blocking traffic.

Edit: Beyond Robson has more info about this as well [br]