Anti-idling ordinance passed in 3 Utah cities

Anti-idling ordinance passed in 3 Utah cities


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SALT LAKE CITY — In an effort to lower the air pollution in Utah, several cities now have anti-idling ordinances.

Salt Lake City, Park City, and Holladay have started to enforce anti-idling in their streets. Salt Lake City has even posted signs to remind commuters to "turn your key - be idle free." The ordinance states that vehicles can not be kept running for longer than two or three minutes with some exceptions.

The anti-idling ordinance is primarily enforced by parking officers, but Salt Lake City representative, Kate Liljalohnes said that they also accept complaints and reports.

"We can't be everywhere at all times," Liljalohnes said. "If there is a situation or area with a common problem, it is helpful for us to be aware of it so our compliance officers can reach out and provide that education."

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While some citizens feel that the ordinance is too strict and mainly a strategy to make more money for the city, Liljalohnes and others said that it is about education. Individuals caught idling their cars are given three warnings before they are cited for breaking the ordinance.

"There's been a report about idling, and this is our information about being idle-free," Liljalohnes said. "(We give) information about our ordinance. Only if they are observed idling out of compliance would a warning be issued."

Liljalohnes said that in the year that the anti-idling ordinance has been in effect in Salt Lake city, only 10 warnings have been given and over 1,200 information fliers have been distributed. More than 100 signs have been posted at businesses around the city as well.

The ordinance only applies to public property and private property with public access like a parking lot. Personal driveways are exempt from the anti-idling ordinance.

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Mary Richards

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