FLEET POLICIES ADDRESS IDLING, TAKE HOME VEHICLES
Policies to increase efficiency, lessen environmental impact of Metro fleet operations
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 23, 2008) -The Department of General Services has issued Administrative Orders detailing an anti-idling program and guidelines for take home (24-hour) vehicles. The orders are part of an effort initiated by Mayor Karl Dean last month to increase the fuel efficiency of fleet operations in Metro Government.
Starting Aug. 1, engine idling and take home vehicle assignments will be restricted to circumstances where they are required for proper job performance. Otherwise, engine idling should be limited to no more than 1 minute. If a take home vehicle assignment doesn’t fit the guidelines in the order, an exception must be approved by the director of General Services Nancy Whittemore.
“There are economic and environmental benefits that will come from departments following these procedures,” Whittemore said. “Both orders will cut down on fuel consumption and the wear on our vehicles, which will reduce our expenses and lessen the emissions our fleet puts into the air.”
In early June, Dean called for a 10 percent reduction in fleet vehicles across departments and a reassessment of take home vehicle assignments. Those actions are expected to save approximately $1.4 million in operating expenses this fiscal year.
Dean announced Metro would develop an anti-idling policy on Earth Day, as one of several “green” initiatives lead by the Mayor’s Office. Dean has also recently appointed a Green Ribbon Committee to develop recommendations for environmental policy and an environmental sustainability manager to support the committee’s work.
General Services maintains approximately 3,600 vehicles and pieces of equipment through the Office of Fleet Management, including light vehicles such as police cars, heavy equipment such as fire trucks and grounds maintenance equipment. OFM manages Metro’s fleet inventory, vehicle and equipment replacement, fuel supply, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance and parts inventory.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov