Minister recommends smart driving techniques

Date: 27/7/2011

A government minister has highlighted the benefits of smart driving techniques to people preparing to take their vehicle on holiday with them this summer.

Norman Baker, the Transport Minister, says that the journey Britons make for their annual break is likely to be the longest trip they take all year.

"Applying the simple smarter driving techniques could make a real difference to fuel costs. In a single 500-mile trip, you could save £10 - certainly enough for a few extra ice creams to keep the kids happy," he notes.

In order to get a more economical performance from a car, it is recommended that motorists keep a close eye on their speed, as travelling at 85 mph consumes 25 per cent more fuel than staying at 70 mph - which itself uses up ten per cent more petrol or diesel than 60 mph.

Planning ahead to avoid traffic congestion is also a wise move as sitting in a jam can result in more fuel being used up.

Before starting the engine, the Department for Transport advises drivers to check their tyres carefully - a recommendation also made by TyreSafe recently.

It explained that motorists should examine the tread depth of their wheels and ensure that they are correctly inflated to cope with the load they are carrying - which may be more than usual if setting out on a holiday.

Posted by Nick Anderson