Port Washington Anti-Idleing Policy

The Port Washington Board of Education, recognizing the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment has adopted an anti-idling policy. This policy is designed to reduce student and driver exposure to harmful vehicle exhaust emissions by eliminating the unnecessary idling of vehicles on school property and is intended to supersede New York State regulations.

This policy shall apply to all school buses operated by or for the district for the purpose of transporting the district's students to or from school or school related activities, whether the buses are owned by the district or contracted from vendors.

This anti-idling policy shall also apply to all diesel and gasoline powered vehicles operating on school properties during school hours and at school sponsored activities. By state law an exception is made in the case of a diesel fueled truck that has to remain motionless for greater than two (2) hours when the ambient temperature is continuously less than 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

The district shall inform all vendors and suppliers of the policy, and it shall be referenced in all new contracts and service agreements. The district shall make regulations (appended to this policy) to see that all diesel and gasoline vehicles on school property follow Board policy.

For school buses:

1. The driver of a school bus must turn off his engine upon reaching a school. The engine must remain off until the bus is loaded (or unloaded) and is ready to depart from school property.

2. If more than one bus is involved in the boarding process, all buses must be loaded and doors closed before engines are turned on.

3. The district shall communicate this policy to all parents, as well as district employees involved with transportation- Appropriate signage shall be posted at each school to remind drivers and school staff of the policy. The provisions of this policy shall be incorporated by reference in all transportation contracts and agreements.

4. The district shall endeavor to locate school building air intake systems not less than 100 feet from any school bus loading or unloading area, or to take appropriate measures to shut off such intake systems during periods when buses are present.

Exemptions:

The provisions of this policy shall be suspended under the following conditions:

1. If the outside temperature at the school is less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, buses shall be permitted to idle for up to five minutes.

2. When bus engines are required to operate special equipment for disabled students.

3. When the use of defrosters, heaters or other equipment is required for safety or health considerations (as determined by the districts Director of Transportation.)

4. When use of the bus headlights or four-way flasher warning lights or other equipment is required for visibility purposes; or for other traffic, safety or emergency situations.

5. When the bus is forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions over which the operator thereof bas no control.

6. When the bus is being subjected to a State authorized periodic or roadside diesel emissions inspection.

7. When the operation of the engine is required for auxiliary purposes including, but no limited to, loading or unloading cargo, or controlling cargo temperature.

8. When the operation of the engine is required for the purpose of maintenance.

9. In the event of an emergency, including the recharging of batteries.

Ref 6 NY ADC §217-3.2 6 NY ADC §217-3.3

Note: Policy added

Adopted: December 21, 2004