news
November 10, 2008
Stoplight at Canada-U.S. border aimed at cutting car idling
VANCOUVER – Travellers facing congestion in the long line-ups at the main Canada-U.S. border crossing south of Vancouver will be asked to cut the engine in order to cut emissions.
The B.C. government will install a stop light at the Peace Arch crossing in a pilot project to reduce engine idling and improve air quality.
The light will be used to hold some traffic back during peak periods times so drivers can shut off their engines.
When traffic ahead of the signal begins to clear U.S. Customs, the light will turn green and release another group of motorists.
The provincial government says this will not increase the wait time to get across the border.
The government claims the program will cut the average vehicle idling time at the border by 20 minutes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 640,000 kilograms a year.
© 2008 The Canadian Press
