New York City Law Cuts Down on Pollution

Lawmakers in New York City are cracking down on vehicles that choose to loiter in front of school buildings. Because of the rising rate of asthma in children and complaints from teachers and parents about the fumes that often leak into classrooms, while delivery trucks are parked outside, the government has created a 60 second idling law. This means that no truck or car will be able to idle in a school zone for longer than this period of time.

The previous law allowed drivers to sit in the area for up to three minutes, but lawmakers hope that this sends a message to other businesses and property owners, so that perhaps the law can become city-wide.

Those who break the law can pay fines that range anywhere from $220 to $2,000 for repeat offenders. New Yorkers have complained that the previous 3-minute law was never enforced, but Mayor Bloomberg has planned a giant public awareness campaign. The message of this new law will be scrawled across billboards, bus stops and heard on radio advertisements.

The lawmakers are hoping that this new law will dramatically influence New York’s air pollution crisis. For more information about pollution laws in your area, speak with a local lawyer.