The City of Parksville said it is doing its part to reduce fuel consumption while non-essential vehicles are restricted to 30 litres per trip to the gas station.
The provincial state of emergency is meant to ensure essential vehicles have unrestricted access to gas and diesel and will remain in place until midnight on Nov. 30. The measure was put in place to re-establish movement of critical goods and services after severe flooding and landslides caused widespread damage to B.C. highways.
“We encourage those who can, to reduce fuel consumption and buy only what is necessary,” said Mayor Ed Mayne. “Our efforts to reduce consumption will help to ensure fuel is available for those businesses and organizations delivering essential goods as well as support those required to travel to restore damaged infrastructure throughout the province.”
The city said it is doing the following to reduce fuel consumption, some of which were already in place:
-Where possible, electric vehicles will be used to conduct city business such as building inspections, site visits or attending safety training and other city vehicle trips will be prioritized to conserve fuel.
-Some employees, who can do so productively, will work from home offices to lessen fuel consumption resulting from daily commutes. The city said it is conducting meetings virtually to reduce driving for staff.
-Some city staff drive personal electric vehicles and carpooling to and from work is encouraged.
-Where possible, paving projects and some work plans have been rescheduled to occur after Dec. 1.
The 30 litre per gas station trip limit is in effect in the Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands regions, according to the province.
