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01/04/10

Welsh motorists urged to drive ‘smarter' and save money by Climate Change Champions

Motorists across Wales are being urged to drive smarter and save up to £190 a year* by the Climate Change Champions.

The Champions are six teenagers from across Wales who have been appointed by the Welsh Assembly Government to raise awareness about ways that people can reduce their carbon footprint by making simple changes to their everyday lives.

The Champions are encouraging motorists to tweak their driving techniques to help the environment, save money and become safer drivers.  To help spread their message about intelligent driving, the Champions have teamed-up with the British School of Motoring (BSM) to encourage learner drivers to adopt good driving habits. The Champions chose BSM due to the eco-friendly nature of their flagship Fiat fleet cars.

The Champions' top tips for motorists: 

• Inflate tyres to the correct pressure as it will prolong their life-span
• Lower driving speeds; at 70mph drivers could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph
• Planning journeys can help reduce speeds and make for safer driving
• Every time there is a stop and start in traffic the engine uses more fuel and CO2 so keep an eye on traffic ahead and slow down early
• Don't over-rev the engine as it wastes fuel and increases wear on the engine
• Changing gear earlier reduces revs, for diesel vehicles change up a gear at 2000rpm and for petrol vehicles, 2,500rpm
• When an engine is idling it's wasting fuel so if it is likely the car will be at a standstill for more than three minutes, switch off the engine

Climate Change Champion Rose Stevens (pictured), 15, from the Vale of Glamorgan, said: "Where possible I would encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport and leave their cars at home. When people do have to use a car there are lots of good driving tactics they can adopt to cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel wastage."

"Working with driving instructors is a great way to educate the next generation of drivers that driving smoothly can minimise your environmental impact as well as saving you money. For example, correctly maintaining your car and planning journeys means mechanically your vehicle will be in good working order and you won't be rushing and taking unnecessary risks, making you a safer driver all round."

Those already on the road can get transport advice from the Energy Saving Trust, ranging from smarter driving tips to how to use the Assembly's Traveline service to plan a trouble-free journey on public transport. 

BSM's Fiat 500 engine meets the toughest Euro 5 exhaust emissions standards. The 500's 1.2-litre 69bhp engines returns 55.4 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 119g/km CO2. The model is also available with eco:Drive which analyses driving styles and helps drivers use less fuel.

Louise Phillips, BSM Area Manager said: "By applying these tips, drivers can improve their motoring skills and make their driving experience far smoother. BSM's team of instructors strongly advocate eco-driving techniques and the new Fiat 500 driving school cars also improve fuel efficiency helping to contribute to a cleaner environment. "

More information about the Champions and climate change can be found at: http://www.walescarbonfootprint.gov.uk/.