BARTOW, FL – In a cost-saving initiative, the Polk County government is taking several steps to reduce the impact of high fuel costs for its more than 1,600 fleet vehicles, according to the Web site www.newschief.com.

All employees driving county vehicles will observe a maximum top speed of 55 mph on all roadways except interstate highways This includes all public safety vehicles unless they are responding with lights and sirens to an emergency.

This initiative is expected to increase gas mileage by 8 to 12 percent per vehicle, net an estimated fuel savings of $130,000 per year, lower maintenance costs, and enhance safety. The county’s Fleet Management Division was directed to downsize vehicles, drive trains, or both. This effort to replace vehicles with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles will occur during the upcoming vehicle replacement cycle.

In recent months, the county implemented an idling policy to eliminate vehicle idling and reduce fuel consumption. “No Idle Zone” signs are posted at county buildings as a reminder to employees.

According to county Fleet Management Director Bob Stanton, the initiative has already resulted in overall speed reduction. “We’re using GPS to monitor our progress,” he said.

Driving techniques that maximize fuel efficiency will be offered to county employees in a new training program. Also, a search is under way to find and evaluate alternative fuel opportunities. With propane at $1.98 per gallon compared with gasoline at $4 per gallon, a propane-powered pickup truck recently was ordered by the county for testing.

The key points include:

· All county vehicles will be driven no faster than 55 mph, except on interstate highways and when public safety vehicles are responding to emergencies. 

·“No idle zones” signs will be posted at county buildings to remind staff members of the county’s policy to discourage unnecessary idling of engines.

· County departments should use the fewest number of vehicles possible.

· Training programs will be implemented to teach county employees efficient driving habits.

· County fleet vehicles will be downsized where practical.

· County fleet managers will investigate using alternative fuels, such as propane.