Florida Highway Patrol told to save gas Florida Highway Patrol officers are encouraged to take gas-cutting measures October 28, 2000 Web posted at: 1:07 a.m. EDT (0507 GMT)

From CNN Miami Bureau Chief John Zarrella

DAVIE, Florida (CNN) -- Florida Highway Patrol officers have been told to use less air conditioning, spend less time idling their motors and shop around more before stopping to gas up their patrol cars.

The measures are intended to cut down on gasoline consumption.

"The first quarter of our fiscal year, which runs from July through September we spent about $850,000," noted FHP spokesman Maj. Ken Howes. "And if we continue on that current rate, we're going to experience about $1 million shortfall."

FHP's 1,700 troopers aren't driving anymore than they usually do: about 37 million miles a year. But the agency's budget of $2.4 million is based on a pump price that evaporated a long time ago: $1.05 per gallon.

The state troopers' primary responsibility is to patrol and be visible on Florida's interstates and expressways. The troopers say that job, particularly needed during rush hours, won't be compromised by the price of a gallon of gas.

VIDEO CNN's John Zarrella says state troopers are finding ways to cut gas usage

Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) "If I were to sit here in the median and it was a nice 55, 60 degrees out, there's no reason why I couldn't sit here in the median, catch up on my paperwork, be visible to the public, have my windows down and the car off," said Lieutenant John Bagnardi.

FHP officials said there are no plans at this moment to order mandatory mileage reductions.

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), October 28, 2000