News Release for December 14, 2007
For More Information:  Anna Price, 207-624-3251

NEW PARK-AND-RIDE SIGNS DISCOURAGE VEHICLE IDLING

In an effort to promote improved air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) have teamed up to encourage motorists to reduce their vehicle idling at the state’s park-and-ride facilities. MaineDOT and the MTA will soon begin erecting new “No Idling” signs around the state to remind motorists to turn off their vehicles while they are standing in the park-and-ride lots.

“This is a voluntary program,” says Anna Price of MaineDOT’s Office of Passenger Transportation. “These signs are a simple reminder that drivers can do something easy to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by turning off their vehicle engines between trips.”

The new signs will be erected on existing signposts, so the cost of the signage is minimal.  The signage program is modeled on a similar program launched last summer at Maine State Ferry Service terminals, where signs are now in place to encourage drivers to turn their cars and trucks off while they wait for the ferry.

Together, MaineDOT and the MTA maintain more than 2,200 parking spaces at 51 separate park-and-ride facilities across the state. Depending upon the weather, all of the signs are expected to be in place by January 31, 2008.

Editors: for more information, please contact Anna Price in the MaineDOT Office of Passenger Transportation, by phone at 624-3251, or by e-mail at Anna.Price@maine.gov.

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