News Date: Monday 12th October 2009
TIM LOUGHTON MP TAKES ECO-DRIVING CHALLENGE AT CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE
Tim Loughton MP today (Tuesday 6th October) took a smarter driving challenge set up by the Energy Saving Trust at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
Using smarting driving techniques, Tim Loughton, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, managed to save 16% per cent on fuel when driving a designated course near to the Conservative conference centre in Manchester.
Tim Loughton MP said:
"When the Energy Saving Trust asked me to take part in their eco-driving challenge, I was pleased to take them up on it. By following a few simple tips from the smarter driving instructor I was able to change my driving habits, save fuel and so save money. I’ll now put these tips to good use."
"I am delighted to support the Energy Saving Trust’s smarter driving campaign – it reminds us of the importance of taking small steps to save energy in our daily lives. This is not only good for reducing our carbon emissions, but also good for the pocket; a welcome boost for everyone in the current economic climate."
Smarter Driving focuses on four key pieces of advice for motorists. These are:
- Shift to as high a gear as possible: driving at lower engine speeds reduces fuel consumption: change up between 2000 and 2500 rpm.
- Anticipate road conditions and drive more smoothly: rather than last minute braking, decelerate smoothly be releasing the throttle as early as possible. This allows the car to decelerate using engine braking. With the car in gear and throttle release, a modern car uses virtually no fuel at all.
- Maintain a steady speed in as high a gear as possible: driving at a steady speed requires little effort for the engine. Avoiding unnecessary acceleration and heavy braking helps reduce fuel consumption.
- Drive a little slower than your normal speed: stick to the speed limits and make your fuel go further. For most cars the most efficient speed is between 45 and 50mph. Driving at 50mph rather than 70 mph reduces your fuel consumption by 10 per cent at a stroke.
The Energy Saving Trust advice centre network has been providing transport advice for the past year. To date we have spoken to a quarter of a million consumers either at an event or through our advice line. Working closely with the Department for Transport, the Energy Saving Trust delivers transport advice to consumers. Our advice is consistent with the government’s Act on CO2 campaign. We aim to help consumers travel more sustainably and live a low carbon lifestyle. To this end, we engage with consumers on smarter driving techniques, choosing a fuel efficient car and finding ways of using the car less.
Advice is delivered directly to consumers through the Energy Saving Trust/Act on CO2 helpline which provides a free to call helpline with trained advisors who can provide simple advice and point consumers to the most useful sources of information. The advice centres undertake a far reaching programme of events where the transport message is taken to captive audiences. Events include local carnivals and county shows to shopping centres and car retailers. We also engage with local authorities, employers and community groups to maximise the reach of our work. There have been many examples of successful partnerships across the country.
The Energy Saving Trust's smarter driving programme works with organisations to train their staff to drive more efficiently in order to reduce both fuel bills and CO2 emissions. Lessons last just 50 minutes but have proven their effectiveness: the first 3000 drivers to take the course reduced their fuel consumption by an average of more than 15%. Training starts and finishes from the workplace to minimise disruption to the working day.
Companies wishing to book lessons or to find out more about the training are invited to contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0845 602 1425
