Administrative Policy

City of Lawrence, Kansas

 

 

SUBJECT

Idle policy

 

APPLIES TO

All employees

 

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

February 1, 2009

 

REVISED DATE

None

 

NEXT REVIEW DATE

 

 

 

APPROVED BY

David L. Corliss, City Manager      date: 2-1-09

 

TOTAL PAGES

2

 

POLICY NUMBER

 

1.0     Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance concerning the idling of internal combustion engines in all vehicles.  The City of Lawrence can play an important role in improving air quality and reducing the consumption of petroleum product by limiting the amount of time vehicle engines are allowed to idle.

 

2.0              Policy

It shall be the policy of the City of Lawrence to manage and operate its’ fleet of motor vehicles in a manner that conserves energy and minimizes emissions.

 

3.0     Applicability:   This policy applies to all City of Lawrence employees.

 

3.0              Responsibility: 

It shall be the responsibility of all City of Lawrence employees to comply with the procedures set forth in this policy.

 

4.0              Procedure: 

 

A.      Engine idling is to be kept to the absolute minimum amount necessary. Turning off and starting an engine uses less fuel than letting the engine run for thirty seconds.

 

B.      Engines are not to be idled simply to "warm up" or pre-heat the cab. Modern vehicles need a maximum of 30 seconds of idle at start up. The best way to warm up a vehicle is by driving it.

 

C.      On vehicles equipped with air conditioning, engines are not to be idled in order to "pre-cool" the cab. Lower the window and turn the fan on high to quickly exhaust warm air from the cab.

 

D.     Engines should never be allowed to idle while refueling the vehicle.  This not only wastes fuel but is both dangerous and illegal.

 

E.      Whenever feasible, vehicle operators will try to live by the "30 second rule".  Simply stated, this means turning off the engine whenever it is anticipated that the engine will be needlessly idling for 30 seconds or more.

 

F.      Reduce your electrical load. Turn off headlights and cab lights as soon as there is enough daylight. Turn off strobes and hopper lights when not needed. Turn down the blower fan after the cab is warmed.

 

5.0              Exemptions:

 

Exemptions from this policy are permitted when any of the following conditions exist:

 

A.      While in the process of performing daily pre-trip inspections.

 

B.      If it is necessary to build up air pressure on vehicles equipped with air brakes.

 

C.      During cold weather and on a cold start, the engine may be idled for up to 3 minutes.  The "high idle" feature (if so equipped) maybe used to speed the warm up process.

 

D.     When clearing (or trying to keep clear) the vehicles’ windows of snow, ice, frost, fog, etc.

 

E.      When using the vehicle’s engine for “Power Take Off” (PTO) operation.

 

F.      When the vehicle’s battery(s) would likely become discharged due to high electrical demand, such as when operating emergency lights, strobe lights. Division managers and supervisors should promote training in the appropriate use of these warning devices.

 

G.     In those instances where the cab of the vehicle also serves as the de facto office of the person assigned to that vehicle, the Department/Division Head may authorize vehicle idling to the extent necessary for climate control during those periods of "office" type work. Division managers should review this practice to determine operational efficiency.

 

H.     When the engine is being run by a mechanic during the course of diagnostic procedures and/or repairs; also when a vehicle is being used to assist another vehicle or piece of equipment in the starting process.

 

I.       When a motor vehicle is forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions.

 

J.       When a heavy- duty diesel engine has just been producing maximum or near maximum power, it may be "cooled down" by idling it for up to 3 minutes before shutting it down.