Truck Traffic and Air Quality in Southwest Detroit What is idling? Idling is when a vehicle’s engine is running but the vehicle is not moving. Trucks often idle while they are stopped to make deliveries or while taking breaks to rest in order to stay warm or cool in the cab. About 3-4 million trucks cross the Ambassador Bridge each year (10,000 trucks daily). Detroit also has 70,000-90,000 trucks daily on major corridors (I-75, I-94, I-96, 7 Mile, and M39). Why is idling a problem? It harms our health. Idling releases harmful exhaust emissions that contribute to asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, and other health problems. It pollutes the environment. Idling contributes to noise pollution and emits 11 million pounds of carbon dioxide and 5 thousand pounds of particulate matter into the air. It wastes fuel and money. Idling consumes over 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel yearly and increases engine maintenance costs by over $2,000/year.

The City of Detroit Anti-Idling Ordinance Purpose: To improve air quality in the City of Detroit What it says: Commercial vehicles that weigh over 8,500 pounds are prohibited from idling for over 5 minutes in any 60 minute period within the City of Detroit Applies to: Delivery trucks, semi-trucks, transit and school buses, tow trucks, garbage trucks, etc. Exceptions to the rule: These relate to traffic conditions, emergency vehicles, and extreme temperatures, among others New Logistics Center on Clark Street Fiat Chrysler recently opened a new trucking logistics center on Clark Street just south of Michigan Avenue. This hub may further increase truck traffic in our neighborhoods, polluting our air, harming our environment, and posing risks to our health.

SDEV is asking City Council, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, to re-route the trucks away from residential streets to keep them away from our homes and schools. Specifically, we hope trucks will avoid certain portions of Clark, Scotten, Toledo, Bagley, West Grand Blvd, West Vernor, Plummer, Christiancy, Porter, 23rd, 24th, 25th, Livernois, and Dragoon.

If you see idling trucks or are concerned about the impact of truck traffic on the health and safety of your neighborhood, speak up! Report idling hot spots to your neighborhood police officer, or call SDEV at (313) 842-1961.