Just try to guess the date of this quote and then let me know what change really is . . .

"Henceforward, no wheeled vehicels whatsoever will be allowed within the precincts of the City, from sunrise until the hour before dark . . . Those which shall have entered during the night, and are still within the City at dawn, must halt and stand empty until the appointed hour . . ."—Senatus consultum of Julius Caesar, 44 B.C.

Recently, Chicago's famed Mayor Richard J. Daley, indicated publicly that there was real evidence to show that stringent restrictions to car travel within the "loop" area of the city was imminent. Most would say that this kind of talk was in order in LA or New York City; but Chicago? Even the wind was not supporting Daley from the Gary steel mill section when he made his prophetic announcement.

But it may come to pass in Chicago and other metro areas. Henry Ford has initiated the first public support by The Corporate Automotive Group toward the necessity of a coordinated transportation program that encompasses rapid transit within the inner city for those concerned over healthy breathing, and aiding those who cannot afford to own or operate personal transportation.

Most of us who have an interest in a large number of drivers, as well as the humanitarian aspects of responsibility toward one's fellow man, have now to weigh the practical implications that face us. What influence would it have on your company if your sales people were not allowed to drive into a confined and heavily populated business area of some one million people; or consider the taxi operation; the utilities that serve that area; and so on.

The obvious deleterious effect on our fleet Industry would be astronomical. Not only would it hike the cost of attempting to sell and service key people in the area in question, but it would immediately prompt any number of businesses to move into the suburbs; who would then face a tough time hiring competent personnel for an area not readily served by transportation. Then we might be finding a number of irate and concerned people to match the average Americans today who feel only apathy regarding pollution-fighting, and we just may find a way to stir the country with outrage toward the expensive installation and purchase costs to convert cars to natural gas powered vehicles. Best estimates for such conversions are close to $1,000 per car (although the GSA has a special 'deal' for less) on top of the additional safety and emission gear costs encountered in the last couple of years and those that are sure to be absorbed between now and 1975.

The expense note is made because it is for real. The apathy note is made for the same reason. The Sun Oil Company released some study results on the promotion and sales efforts in Toledo, Ohio on their no-lead gasoline last year. A lot of people simply do not care about pollution and emissions. They are obviousy not breaking down the gas pumps to buy no-lead gas and Sun's efforts to market low-lead gas at a comparable price with a regular grade "have proved equally discouraging." With all the deliberate sales effort and stocking, only 3 % of their total gas sales came on the lead-free "Sunlite Clear." Two separate surveys to determine the popularity of no-lead and low-lead compared to Sun's regular brands in terms of sales and loyalty, showed "so few customers using 'Sunlite Clear' that no valid conclusions . , . could be drawn."

Are fleet men destined to share this apathy? Are the professional fleet men we know today too weak to properly document to business management both the opportunity and the responsibility in the vital area of pollution? Time and research will deliver the answer to us.

But there is a significant step that can be taken now to insure cleaner air and better functioning vehicles.

While fleets are knowledgeable in the fact that they are operating newer cars, better maintained cars, safer cars, they are also in a position of management to steer changes about the vehicles in a moment. So, whether your scattered cars frequent service stations or the car dealers in their areas, it is essential that the fleet industry cope with the mechanical problems that plague cars; scattered cars or those serviced in your own shop. Comprehensive studies show that simple inspection with minor adjustments and tune-ups can reduce individual vehicle pollution by an average of 2 5% with resultant cost savings to cars by better fuel consumption, amounting to about $21 a year. Atlantic Richfield states more than 60% of the cars on the road have simple malfunctions with simple adjustments needed to correct them. Fifty percent need carburetor adjustments. The rest need work on the ignition system and new air filters: (Restricted air filters, 12%; problems on the PCV system, 23%; and 2 0% had ignition problems,) all contributing to pollution.

If you need to set up a new check or system in your own maintenance shop, let's do if. We'll all breathe easier in May if we join in the National Check Your Vehicle Emission Month in April.