Idle-free applies to us all

To the Editor:

I like to run at the noon-hour. My usual route takes me from Kentville toward New Minas then up the access road toward the 101 highway.

I pass right below the banner publicizing the ‘Idle-Free’ campaign. What a great initiative! After all, who needs to leave their engine running while parked outside a residence, by a school or, for that matter, by the side of the road?

I asked myself that question last week as I ran south on the access road passing no fewer than three RCMP cruisers, their occupants undertaking a roadside check, just short of the crest of the hill. Nothing remarkable about that except that each car was parked with its engine running. In fact, they were all running on my way up and they were still running on my way back about 15 minutes later. I imagine they were running for the 40 or 45 minutes that it took for the officers to complete their work that sunny afternoon.

Now police cars are better equipped than the family sedan, with all kinds of electronics that officers need instantly. But surely one doesn’t need to leave the engine running to power the gizmos?

A quick getaway and pursuit? Surely it takes no more than a split-second to turn on the ignition and get going. I suspect it is more a matter of habit.

For sure we are all going to have to work hard to change the way we live and work. Idle-free for our kids? You bet - RCMP and all.

Peter Hicklenton

Waterville, Nova Scotia