Greener driving will save you cash

12.00.00am GMT Thu 11th Dec 2008

Roads in Gridlock increasing pollution

Liberal Democrats in South Northamptonshire have given the thumbs up to a ten point plan which could save motorists a large amount of cash and help save the planet.

The Energy Saving Trust's scheme lists ten easy steps to using less fuel whilst driving. Sticking to it would allow a vehicle to go 15% further on the same amount of fuel.

It would also mean that much less pollution and carbon dioxide would be produced. If every driver in South Northamptonshire were to follow the 10 point plan, South Northants would pump out up to 49,000 tonnes of CO2 less each year.

The Trust is a joint venture between Government and top private companies including BP and EDF. It has found that simple measures such as inflating tyres properly can have a dramatic impact on your wallet, health and local environment.

The Trust also recommends driving away immediately, rather than idling, to let the engine warm up, and turning your engine off in a traffic jam as practical everyday ways to reap the benefits of lower fuel consumption.

Scott Collins, Parliamentary Candidate for South Northamptonshire said, "The Energy Savings Trust's list has some great ideas for saving money and the environment. They are simple ideas that can make a big difference to the pockets of South Northants residents and to local air quality. This would benefit communities and the environment in many areas of the County which have already been noted as areas for concern with regard to air quality, one locally is the Centre of Towcester.

"If we all made small changes to the way we do things, we can make big savings that benefit both South Northants and the planet.

Commenting, Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, said: "Spending less on filling up the car would be a bonus for everyone this Christmas, but it is not only our wallets that should feel better if we all become energy-efficient drivers.

"The local benefits of following these simple rules can be huge, making a valuable difference to the environment and helping to reduce the impact on health from noxious exhaust fumes."

The list of proposals for greener, cheaper driving can be found at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Travel