I have no doubt that idling trucks cause neighbors problems. However, there are reasons for the idling. Instead of demonizing the truckers, and strong-arming them into compliance with a new ordinance, discussion with truckers should be used to find ways to minimize the problems. If truckers will not be allowed to idle, they will suffer mechanical problems, and will freeze to death in the winter. Therefore, an alternative must be offered before demaning they shut the engines off. Minneapolis doesn't provide an Idle-Aire type facility like Mark Snyder described in an earlier post. I wrote Gary Schiff about the issue, and his attitude is essentially that truckers should get out of the city. I would point out that many times, drivers arrive to deliver their load late at night, tired, then have to unload their trailer. The DOT has strict guidelines (rightly so) about drivers' time spent resting and driving. This must be meticulously logged. Often, a driver would be breaking the law by continuing to drive on through the night to get to the nearest truck-stop (20-30 miles away). Cut these guys a break. It's a tough, highly regulated job, and we need them. Almost everything we buy gets here by truck. It's great that Gary wants to cut down on residential noise, and pollution, but an alternative (other than "Get out of our city, filthy trucker") has to be provided. I put up with industrial noise far worse than trucks idling, by the way. My windows rattle every night from booms that sound like bombs going off from the railroad operations at the elevators along Hiawatha. I don't like waking up to it at 3:00-4:00 in the morning, but I understand that the work has to be done.
Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.smokeoutgary.org It is my understanding that folks nearby cannot leave their windows open on a summer night because the trucks have to run their engines all night to keep the refrigeration units going. In addition to the noise, there is also the issue of diesel fumes. Bill Dooley Kenny/Ward 13 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
