Green spaces? : Switching to hybrids could get a little more enticing
Posted on Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle could save a few dollars at the gas pump as well as the parking meter.
The Off-Street Parking Improvement District No. 1 gave its approval Tuesday to an ordinance that would allow vehicles that can travel 40 or more miles per gallon of gasoline to park free in some areas of downtown Fayetteville.
Sharon Crosson, parking manager for the city, said she wanted to get the district’s blessing on the ordinance before going to the City Council.
The city contracts with the district to lease three downtown parking lots: one behind the E. J. Ball Plaza, one catty-cornered to that lot and one at Spring Street and East Avenue.
Some of the revenue collected by the district would be lost if it allowed free parking in those lots.
If the ordinance is approved by the City Council, those who own qualifying vehicles could apply for a permit from the city and receive an eco-tag to show the vehicle is eligible for free parking at city meters.
For every eco-tag used, the district would lose about $ 244 in revenue per year, Crosson said.
John Coleman, sustainability coordinator for the city, said of the 11 hybrids on the market, only two get 40 or more miles per gallon. There is a provision in the ordinance that states it can be revisited if more vehicles begin to meet the qualifying standards, he said.
Coleman said he looked at other cities with similar ordinances and thought, because of the rising cost of gas, it would be a way to encourage people to purchase fuel-efficient vehicles.
“ We want to award those who purchase fuel-efficient vehicles with a small token of gratitude, ” he said.
The district’s attorney, John Logan Burrow, said the ordinance may not be legally enforceable by the district.
The petition to establish the district strictly limits its authority to the construction and maintenance of off-street parking, Burrow said.
“ While I certainly support this notion, it’s acting outside of the authority the city is giving you, ” he said.
The district approved the ordinance 2-1, with member Rick Woods voting against it.
“ I don’t want to give up our income, ” Woods said.
Burrow said if the City Council approves the ordinance, the lease agreement between the district and the city will have to be revised.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Vehicle Guide gives environmental scores for cars and trucks based on emission levels and fuel economy values. The EPA has changed the way it estimates miles per gallon for fuel economy standards. Starting with 2008 models, estimates are based on faster speeds and acceleration, air conditioner use and colder outside temperatures.
According to the Fuel Economy Guide, published by the EPA and the U. S. Department of Energy, the leaders in fuel efficiency for 2008 include the Honda Civic Hybrid, which gets 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway; and the Toyota Prius, which gets 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.
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