Côte St. Luc man claims Hampstead public works allows idling vehicles

"They leave their trucks running literally for hours on end and with no one in the truck," said the resident of Tommy Douglas Avenue in Côte St. Luc, just across the border from Hampstead, who did not want to reveal his name, fearing reprisals. "It just doesn't make sense. They're spending money on gas and it's also bad for the environment."

In e-mails, beginning in March last year, which the man sent to Hampstead's public works commissioner Michael Goldwax, without receiving a reply he claims, he tells Goldwax, "On many occasions public works vehicles (snow removal trucks, etc.) are left running unattended for extended periods of time (up to several hours at a time).

"Since I am not home during weekdays, I only notice this in the evenings. I presume the only reason this occurs is so that the public works employee can get into a warm vehicle." Last June, he again e-mails Goldwax, "Can you please let me know if any steps have been taken to address the issues I have identified below as I am still noticing occurrences of vehicles left running unattended."

Pamela Daoust, Hampstead's communications officer, provided The Monitor with a copy of the anti-idling regulations the town passed in the mid-1990s. "It does mention that any vehicle, which requires the engine to be running to operate, is exempted," she said.

Bylaw 690 states that "no person shall operate or permit the operation of an engine or motor in, or on, any motor vehicle or item of attached auxiliary equipment for a continuous period exceeding four minutes, while such vehicle is stationary …"

The bylaw exempts any engine or motor that is essential to the basic function of the vehicle or equipment, including but not limited to cement trucks, lift platforms and refuse compactors. It also makes an exception for emergency situations requiring heating or refrigeration powered by motors or engines, and vehicles containing perishable cargo when it is being loaded or unloaded.

"Please note that Hampstead takes car idling very seriously," added Daoust. "We regularly remind residents of car idling rules and of the importance of respecting them for the sake of the environment, as well as everyone's health …

"I can confirm that our bylaw is indeed enforced. I was informed that a ticket was issued in Hampstead last week for car idling. The Town's Public Works and Public Security departments have confirmed their compliance with the Town's car idling law."