Douglas Border Crossing Becomes Idle Free

An "Idle free zone" has been in effect for a few months at the Douglas Border Crossing.  As a long time resident of the area I'm thrilled at the idea.  I remember my parents being concerned when we were growing up that the emissions were going to cause health problems with our whole family.  My Mom would wash the window screens on the house and they would be covered in black tar from the cars idling in the border line up out front.  Walking down to the park to have a look at what Idle Free B.C. has done, I noticed that apparently no one can read. I understand that it is a cold day, but you can't read the sign?  Does your car really have to be on?  It was really hard to not say anything to the cars that were sitting there idling right next to the sign that says turn off your car.

Driving South on Hwy. 99, you pass an electronic traffic sign that explains that cars will be moving in groups and traffic lights are ahead. The idea is that you stop at a traffic light far before the actual border and wait until it goes green when all the cars can turn on and move forward together.  No one loses their spot in line and you are still getting to the front just as fast as if you had to sit there idling and watching traffic to see when you can move five feet closer to the customs.

If vehicles avoided idling by just three minutes a day, over the year Canadians would collectively save 630 million litres of fuel, and $945 million in fuel costs (assuming a fuel cost of $1.50/L).  This would also save 6.3 billion kilograms of GHG emissions.  

www.idlefreebc.ca

I asked inside the Canadian Customs about the new procedure, and I heard that people have complained about the line up being so slow.  I guess it's too bad that now we have an international illiteracy problem. :(

By the way, the new Canadian Customs at the Douglas Crossing is gorgeous!  Too bad you aren't allowed to take photos inside.  Very west coast inspired.