Greener driving will save you cash - Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats

4.00.00pm GMT Sun 21st Dec 2008

Councillor Claire Darke

Liberal Democrats in Wolverhampton have given the thumbs up to a ten point plan which could save motorists a large amount of cash and help save the planet.

The Energy Saving Trust's scheme lists ten easy steps to using less fuel whilst driving. Sticking to it would allow a vehicle to go 15% further on the same amount of fuel.

It would also mean that much less pollution and carbon dioxide would be produced. If every driver in Wolverhampton were to follow the 10 point plan, Wolverhampton would pump out up to 20,900 tonnes of CO2 less each year.

The Trust is a joint venture between Government and top private companies including BP and EDF. It has found that simple measures such as inflating tyres properly can have a dramatic impact on your wallet, health and local environment.

The Trust also recommends driving away immediately, rather than idling, to let the engine warm up, and turning your engine off in a traffic jam as practical everyday ways to reap the benefits of lower fuel consumption.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Claire Darke said, "The Energy Savings Trust's list has some great ideas for saving money and the environment. They are simple ideas that can make a big difference to the pockets of Wolverhampton residents and to local air quality.

"If we all made small changes to the way we do things, we can make big savings that benefit both Wolverhampton and the planet.

Commenting, Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, said: "Spending less on filling up the car would be a bonus for everyone this Christmas, but it is not only our wallets that should feel better if we all become energy-efficient drivers.

"The local benefits of following these simple rules can be huge, making a valuable difference to the environment and helping to reduce the impact on health from noxious exhaust fumes."

The list of proposals for greener, cheaper driving can be found at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Travel

The list:

1. Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).

2. Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

3. Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

4. The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 45 - 50mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption.

5. Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

6. Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.

7. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

8. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.

9. Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

10. If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.