Idling Cars

Templemead Families, Guests, and Community Members:

While we recognize that many families choose to drive their child(ren) to school for a variety of reasons such as weather, work schedule demand, and feelings of safety.  However, we have noticed an increasing number of idling cars during morning arrival and dismissal.  Many of our students regularly walk through these idling zones and are exposed to invisible, yet harmful, fumes that are created by the many cars waiting outside of the school.  Research has shown that children under the age of 18 are particularly susceptible to air pollution.  Since children have a faster respiration rate, and they tend to spend more time playing outdoors, their developing lungs can be impacted at an accelerated rate which can slow lung growth or cause lung disease such as asthma.

How can you do your part?  Clean Air Hamilton suggests that “…there are a number of things you can do to help improve air quality. You Can:

• Turn off your engine while waiting for more than 10 seconds.
• Keep your car well maintained. A poorly tuned engine will use up to 15% more fuel than a well-tuned vehicle.
• Use a block heater to keep the engine warm in cold weather. Warm up your car simply by driving.
• Avoid using a remote car starter. These devices encourage you to start your vehicle before you are ready to leave, which means unnecessary idling.
• Spread the word to your family and friends about the benefits of not idling. This will help them to save money and help protect the environment and their health.

Let’s help put a stop to engine idling. It’s a great way to do your part in protecting our air quality, minimizing the emissions that contribute to climate change and saving energy and money – all at the same time. In Hamilton, idling complaints can be reported to 905-540-6000 or [email protected].

If we reduce the amount of idling, we reduce the risk to our children.  And as an added bonus, we help improve the air quality within the Templemead community.

Want another opinion?  Check out this article, written by students around the City of Hamilton:

https://rb.gy/lq73ow