Engine and Equipment Idling Policy

City of Roanoke Engine and Equipment Idling Policy

In 2004 the City of Roanoke entered into an Ozone Early Action Compact to reduce the levels of atmospheric ozone in the Roanoke valley. One efficient and cost effective method of reducing these ozone concentrations is to limit the amount of time that City vehicle and equipment engines spend idling (engine continues to run while vehicle is stationary). Engine idling not only produces up to twice the amount of exhaust emissions as an engine in motion, it wastes fuel, and the resulting carbon build-up is harmful to the engines themselves. An idling engine isn’t operating at its peak temperature, which results in incomplete fuel combustion, therefore creating deposits that damage the engine and soot that shortens the lifespan of the exhaust system.

The City's Fleet Management Division and the Office of Environmental Management, in conjunction with input from our public safety and other departments, have developed the Engine and Equipment Idling Policy regarding idling of vehicles and equipment in the City’s fleet.

Please contact the Office of Environmental Management at 853-2425 if you have any questions.