Ocean Grove Record

Neptune Township News

Township Enforces State
Idling Regulations

This OG classic never idles - it just purrs along.

"Three minute limit' fine increases to $250

Neptune Township Mayor Randy Bishop along with Police Chief Howard O'Neil announced that Neptune Township will continue to enforce the state's three minute limit idling regulation. The minimum fine was raised from $25 to $250 by the state legislature. Any monies collected from idling violations remain in the municipality where the ticket was written.

"I am extremely concerned about what the emissions are doing to the quality of the air and the effect it is having on our children. Our department is enforcing the law", stated Police Chief O'Neil.

Mayor Bishop added, "In 2007, Neptune Township passed a resolution encouraging our residents to stop the practice of unnecessary idling. With the increase in green house gas emissions and the effect it is having on our global environment, we must all, government and citizens alike, make every effort to curtail the production of these gases. We have worked with our own Township fleet to not leave engines idling. While the impact is truly global, we can see the effects right here in our own community with the increase in respiratory ailments, especially in our young people. We must all make it a priority to change our own habits and to help educate others on the effects of this wasteful and unhealthy practice."

The three-minute limit applies statewide and is only exempted or extended under specific circumstances. Idling limit is three minutes for both diesel and gasoline vehicles: trucks, buses, school buses and cars. Idling of emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance, military) operating in emergency situations is allowed. All idling requirements are found in NJDEP regulations.

Richard Ambrosio, Chair of Neptune's Environmental Commission commented, "Limiting idling may help to reduce air pollution and our dependency on foreign oil. It will make people who live near the truck facilities have a better quality of life since they won't have to listen to idling trucks all night long."

Additional information on idling and the three minute limit can be found on the Township's website: www.neptunetownship.org