Large vehicles caught idling for long periods of time will be subject fines starting next year.
The San Antonio City Council has approved a new idling ordinance aimed at getting vehicles over 14,000 pounds to stop idling, which researchers say dramatically increases ozone pollution. Under the ordinance, SAPD will be able to issue a ticket of up to $500 if a large vehicle is observed or reported to be idling more than five minutes .
District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg said during Thursday’s council meeting the ordinance is a step in the right direction to improving San Antonio’s air quality. “This action today is not a silver bullet, in fact it barely scratches the surface. But I think it’s the first step in a long process for us to shore up our air quality in our communities; something that’s going to require all of us to be on-board.”
The San Antonio area is on the verge of falling out of compliance of EPA air regulations. The anti-idling ordinance takes effect January 1st.
