EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: [TIME AND DATE OF YOU EVENT HERE] Contact: [Name and number here] [YOUR JURISDICTION’S] SUPPORT OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS IMPROVES FUEL EFFICIENCY AND AIR QUALITY Traffic signal timing scores a [XX] [YOUR CITY, STATE] – [YOUR JURISDICTION’S] support of its traffic signals helps improve traffic congestion, fuel efficiency and reduce air pollution, according to a group of transportation associations known as the National Transportation Operations Coalition (NTOC). The 2007 National Traffic Signal Report Card, issued today by NTOC, gives [your jurisdiction] a grade of [XX]. Comparatively, the nation scored a grade of X. [Insert quote from your spokesperson regarding your efforts to operate and maintain your traffic signals.] NTOC sent out self-assessment surveys to localities across the United States last fall. Grading themselves in six areas, 417 agencies in 47 states responded, including [your jurisdiction]. See how [your jurisdiction] scored: [INSERT MINIATURE REPORT CARD GRAPHIC HERE WITH YOUR JURISDICTIOSN SCORES] [Insert quote from the national press release. This will be posted at www.ite.org/reportcard at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9.] Nation-wide studies show that the benefits of investments in signal timing outweigh the costs by 40:1 or better. Those benefits include: Better fuel efficiency Improved air quality Shorter commute times Decrease in driver frustration NTOC, at a national news conference in Washington, DC, today, is calling for increased resources for traffic signal timing. [Insert quote from local leader supporting resource allocation to traffic signal operations.] [Insert quote from a citizen on the relevance of good signal timing to their life and supporting more work in this area.] -###-