2009-10-13|Canada Post Delivery Truck

To whom it may concern

Today, I waited in my car for about 10 minutes while the Canada Post staff was making a daily mail delivery to the Super-Mailbox. The outside temperature was about 10 C. I was shocked to notice that the medium Canada Post delivery truck was idling the entire time. When the delivery person finished the job, I asked her if she was required to shut off the engine. She replied to me that she did not have to.

I checked the Canada Post website, and found the following 6-year old programme.

"Clean-Air Mail" Ð The Fleet Anti-Idling Program at Canada Post

Canada Post Corporation is committed to delivering mail in a way that helps to keep the air clean and our lungs healthy. The agency is encouraging its drivers to avoid unnecessary idling. The effect of this initiative is very significant: Canada Post is one of the largest users of transportation services in Canada, with a fleet of 6 400 vehicles burning approximately 21 million litres of fuel every year.
In November 2003, Canada Post began a driver awareness campaign to reduce idling in its fleet. It was aimed at its more than 430 locations and 10 000 employees across Canada. The agency distributed a kit that included posters, information brochures, key chains and window decals at each location. The campaign's message, says Project Manager Tony Sabino, is, "Small changes in our habits can make dramatic improvements to the quality of our environment."
Canada Post has found that there has been a noticeable improvement in driver awareness of idling issues. It will continue to monitor the program for future results.

"Clean-Air Mail" Ð The Fleet Anti-Idling Program at Canada Post
Canada Post Corporation is committed to delivering mail in a way that helps to keep the air clean and our lungs healthy. The agency is encouraging its drivers to avoid unnecessary idling. The effect of this initiative is very significant: Canada Post is one of the largest users of transportation services in Canada, with a fleet of 6 400 vehicles burning approximately 21 million litres of fuel every year. In November 2003, Canada Post began a driver awareness campaign to reduce idling in its fleet. It was aimed at its more than 430 locations and 10 000 employees across Canada. The agency distributed a kit that included posters, information brochures, key chains and window decals at each location. The campaign's message, says Project Manager Tony Sabino, is, "Small changes in our habits can make dramatic improvements to the quality of our environment." Canada Post has found that there has been a noticeable improvement in driver awareness of idling issues. It will continue to monitor the program for future results.

I also checked the Ville de Gatineau website, and found the following by-law which went into effect more than 1 year ago. I do not see appropriate exemptions for Canada Post vehicles.

Motor vehicles: turn off your engine!

In order to harmonise its by-law with the criteria established by Québec's Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks and to further reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), Gatineau has amended its by-law on idling engines. This new by-law came into force on October 1, 2008.
By-law 300-6-2008 stipulates that vehicle engines may idle for no more than three minutes in any given 60-minute period. Any contravention of this by-law is subject to a $50 fine. However, there are exceptions for the following vehicles:

emergency vehicles;
taxis between November 1 and March 31 when there is someone in the car;
heavy vehicles when the motor has to be running for a pre-departure inspection, as provided under section 519.2 of the Highway Safety Code;
a vehicle at a standstill because of a traffic jam, heavy traffic, traffic light or mechanical problem;
a vehicle that has to be kept running during its maintenance or repair;
a heavy vehicle whose engine generates power for auxiliary equipment used at work, or a vehicle that has a heating or cooling system to conserve merchandise or transport animals;
an armoured security vehicle when it is on duty;
a vehicle that runs on hydrogen or electricity, or a hybrid vehicle; and
a vehicle that is coated in frost or freezing rain until it is cleared enough for safe driving.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Motor vehicles: turn off your engine!
In order to harmonise its by-law with the criteria established by Québec's Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks and to further reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), Gatineau has amended its by-law on idling engines. This new by-law came into force on October 1, 2008. By-law 300-6-2008 stipulates that vehicle engines may idle for no more than three minutes in any given 60-minute period. Any contravention of this by-law is subject to a $50 fine. However, there are exceptions for the following vehicles: emergency vehicles; taxis between November 1 and March 31 when there is someone in the car; heavy vehicles when the motor has to be running for a pre-departure inspection, as provided under section 519.2 of the Highway Safety Code; a vehicle at a standstill because of a traffic jam, heavy traffic, traffic light or mechanical problem; a vehicle that has to be kept running during its maintenance or repair; a heavy vehicle whose engine generates power for auxiliary equipment used at work, or a vehicle that has a heating or cooling system to conserve merchandise or transport animals; an armoured security vehicle when it is on duty; a vehicle that runs on hydrogen or electricity, or a hybrid vehicle; and a vehicle that is coated in frost or freezing rain until it is cleared enough for safe driving.

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"Sunatori, Go Simon" <GS.Sunatori@HyperInfo.CA>

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2024-12-17T20:37:39.000Z