No Idling at Zervas: It’s a State Law

Posted on March 9, 2020 by zervaspto in From the PTO for |

No Idling at Zervas: It’s a State Law
Look for a flyer in your child’s folder this week from Newton Police about idling in Newton. Parent volunteers will be in the Blue Zone handing out flyers to drivers about idling.

What is idling and why does it matter?
Vehicle idling is when a driver leaves a vehicle running while it is parked.

Why you should turn your engine off if you will be waiting for more than 10 seconds:

  • IT HELPS PEOPLE. Breathing exhaust fumes is linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease, and cancer. Children are especially vulnerable, especially as they wait to be picked up or play on the playground near the Blue Zone. 
  • IT HELPS THE PLANET. Personal-vehicle idling wastes about 3 billion gallons of fuel annually in the U.S, generating around 30 million tons of CO2.
  • IT’S BETTER FOR YOUR CAR. Idling can damage engine components by causing fuel residue to build up on cylinder walls.
  • IT’S THE LAW. It’s illegal to idle in Massachusetts. Newton Police are enforcing this law in 2020 and you could get a $105 ticket. 

For more on why you should stop idling, visit www.idlefreenewton.org. 

If you would like to join the Zervas Safe Routes to School committee, email zervaswalks@gmail.com

Comments are closed.