Brian Gutjahr, City of Greater Sudbury manager of bylaw enforcement, likes being efficient in his job of tracking down offenders of the city's by-laws.
Thanks to the purchase of seven new hybrid Toyotas by the city's fleet department from Laking Toyota on the Kingsway, he can be more effective.
“Not only am I saving gas for city taxpayers but the three new cars in by-law services have on board computers. That means I and my staff can stay out longer on the streets and roads making sure our various by-laws are being upheld,” said Gutjahr.
Gutjahr was one of several managers along with Mayor Rodriguez who showed off the new hybrid cars in front of Tom Davies Square.
The purchase of the seven 2008 Prius cars are a pilot project designed to see if investing in hybrid vehicles is cost effective and compatible with a long term plan to reduce emissions from transportation sources in the city by 10 percent by 2015 said fleet manager Eric Bertrand.
Each car cost $32,874 (plus taxes) and is eligible for $4,000 in federal and provincial rebates. Gas mileage is equivalent to 71 MPG in the city and 67 MPG on the highway.
“The City of Greater Sudbury is committed to reducing its impact on the environment,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez.
“Each of these vehicles uses about half the amount of gasoline needed to operate a typical car, and will reduce our emissions by approximately two tonnes per year. I hope that by using these vehicles during day-to-day operations, we can encourage others to make environmental responsible choices,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said he needed a new car and decided to set an example for the city.
“I bought a Toyota Camry from Chris Laking and am now enjoying saving $30 a week in gas-the car is also very quiet. I can barely hear it running,” he said.
