Minneapolis limits vehicle idling to 3 minutes except in traffic

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor R.T. Rybak approved changes Friday, to the city’s vehicle idling ordinance that aims to reduce air pollution. The ordinance limits most vehicle idling to three minutes, except in traffic.

...

"In these times of high gas prices, it’s a way for people to save fuel. If you’re sitting in an idling car, you’re getting zero miles a gallon. That’s not good for your pocketbook or the environment," Rybak added.

Engines generally pollute more when cold and driving a vehicle cuts warm-up time in half. Idling a cold engine actually pollutes more than driving it does and idling is harder on the engine.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S469008.shtml?cat=1

[zqt3344 21]

How stupid, what is this, Tree Huggers R Us, what a total moron, that is the problem in Minneapolis it is being run by morons, what a joke those people need to recall the mayor and kick him out, moron. Tell the mayor to go hug a tree or bush, or weed or grass or whatever but get out of office and save us all!

The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor R.T. Rybak approved changes Friday, to the city’s vehicle idling ordinance that aims to reduce air pollution. The ordinance limits most vehicle idling to three minutes, except in traffic.

...

"In these times of high gas prices, it’s a way for people to save fuel. If you’re sitting in an idling car, you’re getting zero miles a gallon. That’s not good for your pocketbook or the environment," Rybak added.

Engines generally pollute more when cold and driving a vehicle cuts warm-up time in half. Idling a cold engine actually pollutes more than driving it does and idling is harder on the engine.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S469008.shtml?cat=1

[Ban Hammer 14,246]

not unusual, i've seen that in germany.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Probably took idea from neighbouring Canada's restriction of 45 seconds.

(just try starting up a car and pushing-off in less than 45 seconds when the temp is around -40--even with a post-1980 car, this is difficult, let alone with a pre-1979)

[almaty 19]

i think it is an excellent law

[Dan J 277]

i think it is an excellent law

Yeah, except when warming up your car in the winter, there is no reason to keep a car idling. Just a waste of gas anyway.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

i think it is an excellent law

Yeah, except when warming up your car in the winter, there is no reason to keep a car idling. Just a waste of gas anyway.

It's illegal for that purpose as well.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Idling a car for over 2 minutes is not good for the engine.

[almaty 19]

amen to that sister mocassin..2 minutes and go

[Nagishkaw 510]

amen to that sister mocassin..2 minutes and go

Absolutely!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Idling a car for over 2 minutes is not good for the engine.

Yep. I was trying to remember exactly what Tom and Ray from Car Talk have said about engine idling, but it's no longer necessary when you first start your car.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

How come everyone still does it?

[Nagishkaw 510]

How come everyone still does it?

Cos no one told them?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

How come everyone still does it?

Most people don't know much about car mechanics would be my guess. It used to be necessary....just like pumping the pedal, but that was before fuel injected engines.

[Sister Fracas 5]

I see this as TOTALLY enforceable...