Township Enacts Law Prohibiting Prolonged Automobile Idling

Matthew Hersh

Citing environmental concerns and overall quality of life issues, Princeton Township Committee passed a law Monday night that prohibits diesel-powered and gas vehicles from idling for more than three minutes in a public right-of-way.

The ordinance, which was passed unanimously, exempts some public works and emergency vehicles, such as police patrol cars giving out traffic tickets or running radar. Also exempt would be delivery trucks such as refrigerated vehicles that need to keep their engines running while making deliveries. In Monday night's public hearing for the ordinance, which was introduced last month, Township Attorney Edwin Schmierer said the ordinance is ostensibly a carbon copy of a law that currently applies to Princeton Borough.

Originally initiated by the Board of Health, the ordinance was enacted to curb environmental hazards, Mr. Schmierer said.

"It should enhance and improve environmental issues," he added.

However, questions were raised as to the efficacy and enforceability of such an ordinance. Henry Frank of Valley Road asked Committee if any specific event had prompted the idling ban and asked tongue-in-cheek if he should wait a full three minutes before calling the police to report an idling vehicle.

"So, what's the whole purpose?" Mr. Frank asked. "To me it looks like another ordinance that goes on the books and nothing happens with it." Township Deputy Mayor Bill Enslin said a good example of how the ordinance could be enforced would be for the police to keep an eye on areas where idling is common, such as the Food Mart on Route 206, just north of Cherry Valley Road. He cited examples of people leaving their cars running while going inside.

"We would expect [the Police] to pass the word that this is not okay to do," he said. "It's really obnoxious when you park your car and you have to go through a pile of truck exhaust."

Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand said the law would sensitize drivers to the fact that they cannot let their cars idle "for no apparent reason."

The Mayor added that while the code will not be enforced on private property, it may get residents into the habit of turning their engines off even while their cars are parked in private driveways.

"If you have a dead car battery and need to let your car run for fifteen minutes, that would certainly be understandable," she said. "But many times people go into their house to get something and leave their car on and we would like to have them not do that."

Those who receive a summons for violating the idling law are subjected to a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum of $1,000. Repeat offenders will receive a larger fine with possible community service.