15 August 2019

Drive-thru ban 'to cut emissions'

Lots of ideas are coming through aimed at cutting emissions from automobiles, but one intriguing new law is a ban on the construction of fast-food drive-thru facilities, writes Brian Byrne.

That's what the City Council in Minneapolis, USA, has just passed, though it won't affect existing establishments or any current application for one.

The council said it is doing so to cut down on the number of cars idling while waiting for ordered food, and also because the facilities may impact on pedestrian safety.

The law is being criticised by a number of groups, including the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. They say the ban would limit access to food and services for people with disabilities.

Another plan by the Minneapolis authorities to ban gas stations in the city will have to wait until there's a greater penetration of the use of electric cars.