In fact, some vehicles have stop-start features, which automatically turn off the engine after one minute of
idling.
"Drivers are not interested in this technology to save fuel and reduce
idling. They are interested in staying comfortable in the truck while they are required to be in it," Curtis said.
Malls and hospitals are also required to put up signs to inform their staff and patrons about the ban on the prolonged
idling of parked motor vehicles.
Many countries levy fines for
idling as part of pollution control measures.
If a car will be sitting for longer than 10 seconds, it will require less gas to restart the car than to leave it
idling for several minutes.
TOM: And lots of those RVs have (or should have) what's called an "auxiliary air compressor'' on board, which instantly gives the brake system enough pressure and eliminates the need for
idling.
"The concentration of air pollutants near schools often significantly exceeds background levels in the community, particularly when
idling school buses are present," he said.
In recognition of the potential health impact of
idling buses and exposure to TRAP at schools, the U.S.
FairPoint partnered with the American Lung Association to hold presentations at company garages on the benefits of reducing
idling. Those discussions spurred renewed interest in reducing the amount of time trucks idle.
* The Unbearable Weight of
Idling. The end of the current container shipping downturn is still not in sight according to analysts at the Paris-based consultancy Alphaliner.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has implemented a policy to reduce vehicle
idling for its equipment fleet, in an effort to save funds and improve air quality.