Arlington Heights set to launch ‘no idling’ campaign

Arlington Heights could begin a “no idling” education campaign to discourage drivers from leaving their cars running while they sit parked.

The effort, if there’s support from those governmental agencies and funding is available, would involve posting signs near schools, train stations, and parks.

The village board’s committee of the whole this week recommended approval of the policy, which likely will be adopted by the full board at its Monday meeting.

As part of Arlington Heights’ campaign, village staff will develop an anti-idling policy for village vehicles. The village will create brochures and have information available on its website.

The campaign is meant to be educational only and won’t have any teeth for enforcement, officials said. Some village trustees suggested cost-sharing with other government entities on signs.

A few neighboring towns, including Hoffman Estates and Elk Grove Village, have anti-idling policies in place. Hoffman Estates has a mandatory policy for village vehicles, while Elk Grove Village’s campaign is educational.