This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Eco-driving campaign
29/01/2007
A new campaign to encourage car commuters in the Central Belt to adopt eco-friendly driving habits was launched today by celebrity commentator Murray Walker.
The 'Eco-drivers wanted' campaign, which is funded by the Executive and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, urgest motorists to take simple, no-cost steps that can save them as much as £120 a year in fuel.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"We all have a role to play in tackling climate change. While leaving the car at home is the best way to reduce C02 emissions, we all need to think about how our essential car journeys can have the least impact on the environment. Our support of the Energy Saving Trust's eco-driving campaign is part of the Executive's wider commitment to look after the world we live in."
Murray Walker said:
"Eco-driving has win-win results. You save money on fuel and help the environment. In today's changing climate we need to think about saving energy in everything we do. Eco-driving is easy, you don't need to buy gadgets or modify your car. Just put the eco-driving tips in practice every time you use your car and make them part of your driving routine."
Energy Saving Trust Scotland's Transport Manager Ian Murdoch said:
"If every driver in Scotland followed our guidance, the country would save 640,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year - that's the same as the equivalent CO2 to driving from Land's End to John O'Groats 2.5 million times. Just a few small changes to how you drive your car can make a real difference to its impact on the environment."
The Energy Saving Trust's top ten tips are:
- Check your revs - change up before 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel)
- Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates
- Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption
- The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 - 65mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption
- Drive away immediately when starting from cold, when safe to do so - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear
- 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
- Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective
- Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost
- Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent
- 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
The 'Eco-drivers wanted' campaign runs from January 29 to February 11 and is targeted at commuters who drive to and from work in the Central Belt. Advertising will appear in the Scottish press and on billboards, radio and selected websites.