It is illegal to leave a car idling in Aspen for more than five minutes, as is leaving a running car unattended even for a moment.
Drivers are especially frequent offenders of the idling codes during the winter, as they warm up their cars and scrape away ice and snow from their windshield. In an effort to reduce the carbon emissions released in Aspen, the city’s Environmental Health and Sustainably department is giving away windshield covers that will negate the need for scraping away the winter elements.
“When you are ready to use your vehicle you just take the windshield cover off and your windshield is completely ready to go,” said Jannette Whitcomb, Senior Environmental Health Specialist.
Garco Sewing Works is supplying the windshield covers, made from donated materials. Aspen residents can receive the free covers from the Environmental Health and Sustainably Department by signing a pledge to reduce carbon emissions. A list of Aspenites who have committed to end idling, and more information about outdoor air quality can be found here.