SAN ANTONIO -- Green is good, right? A new ‘No Idle Zone’ is raising questions at Indian Springs Elementary School in the Comal Independent School District.
Parents often arrive 15 to 30 minutes before school ends to pick up their children. Now, new signs are popping up encouraging them to shut off the engine while waiting.
According to a district spokesperson, the principal initiated the plan to help the school become more environmentally friendly.
"I'm okay with that,” said a parent who arrived early to pick up her child.
What about when the bell rings and the line is still moving forward slowly? Should parents crank up and shut off as they inch along?
"No, I think people would use their common sense," said parent, Christy Burkhalter.
News 4 spoke to an auto specialist who weighed in on the issue.
“If your turn off the engine, it will be better for the environment yes," said Matt Schraer, an auto specialist. "But just idling, that's what the catalytic converter is for to help keep the environment clean."
It also depends on the condition of your car.
When the weather heats up, it could also be tough for parents to follow this rule.
"I don't know," admitted Burkhalter. "You have kids in the car and you might want to keep it cool inside."
For now, most parents are abiding by the school’s request in the 'No Idle Zone."
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