Hybrid car much better

Significant savings have resulted over the past year from Caledon parking control officers using a hybrid car.

The pilot project started Nov. 29, 2006, when the Town's bylaw enforcement department took possession of a 2007 Toyota Prius to see if this type of vehicle would be viable for use in the department's normal operations.

Municipal staff compared the operating costs of the Prius to the vehicle it replaced, a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, over a similar one-year period.

Overall, the hybrid car had a 34 per cent improvement in operating costs and a 40 per cent improvement in overall fuel efficiency.

Another major benefit of the hybrid car was the reduction in vehicle emissions.

Staff will continue to monitor the performance of the hybrid to verify if the fuel efficiency continues at the same rate or if there are any variations in fuel efficiency as the vehicle ages. The overall operating costs, including maintenance, will also be monitored to see if there are any increases due to accumulated mileage and vehicle age.