Border drivers brake speed habit to safe money
Published 8 Jan 2013 09:30
0 Comments
FRUGAL drivers in the South of Scotland are slowing down to save money on fuel, new research has found.
More than half (51 per cent) of motorists in the South of Scotland have eased off the accelerator to save money on fuel, with 62 per cent of these drivers putting the brakes on their average motorway speed by 10mph or more.
Motorists who follow Fuel Efficient Driving tips could save up to two months' worth of petrol or diesel every year, statistics from the organisation show.
The survey also found 49 per cent of Scottish male motorists are driving their car slower in an attempt to save money on fuel, compared to just 41 per cent of Scottish female drivers.
Laura MacAulay, marketing manager at the Energy Saving Trust Scotland, said: "It comes as no surprise to hear that drivers in the South of Scotland are slowing down to reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel - the faster you go, the more fuel you use.
"There are other ways to save too, however. Fuel efficient driving tips like anticipating road conditions and driving smoothly, shifting to a higher gear as soon as possible and switching off air conditioning all have their part to play - and they don't necessarily slow you down.
"Our research has shown South of Scotland drivers who follow a range of ten simple tips can save two months' worth of fuel each and every year - a huge saving in the current economic climate."
Following a few simple tips behind the wheel can save drivers money and carbon emissions by raising their mpg.
Top tips are:
1. Shift to a higher gear as soon as possible.
2. Anticipate road conditions and drive more smoothly.
3. Maintain a steady speed in as high a gear as possible.
4. Drive a little more slowly.
5. Switch off if you're stationary for more than a minute.
6. Keep your tyres properly inflated.
7. Switch off air conditioning.
8. Close your windows if travelling at 50mph or more.
9. Remove roof boxes and racks if not being used.
10. Remove unnecessary items from your car.
Anyone wanting more details on taking up fuel efficient driving should check out Energy Saving Trust Scotland's website at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Travel/Driving or call their local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
Border Telegraph Poll
Do you think community councillors should support plans to spend £5,500 on a new lamp post in Galashiels to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee? See this week's Border Telegraph for more details.
This Poll is now closed.
Yes (17.1%)
No (70.7%)
Only if it lights up the whole of Gala (12.2%)
