Saving Fuel By Driving Slowly
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 11 March 2011
Millions of motorists are driving more slowly on the motorway in a bid to curb soaring fuel costs.
As pump prices soar to new record highs, more than half (59%) of all drivers intend to reduce their speed on motorways to cut their fuel consumption. The figure rises to 65% among female drivers.
These figures come from the Public attitudes towards climate change and the impact of transport, Department for Transport January 2011. This report points to recognition among motorists of the potential payback from eco driving: some 28% say they are willing to pay to learn fuel saving techniques.
The figures mirror findings in a recent AA/Populus survey survey of 15,199 AA members between 23 December 2010 and 4 January 2011, which showed that half (49%) of AA members intend to drive more economically in response to rising fuel costs.
Drivers are now paying over £10 more per tank of diesel than a year ago, and over £8.40 more per tank of petrol.
25% more fuel
Sticking to the speed limit, especially on motorways is one of the most effective ways to cut fuel costs.
"Cruising at 80mph is illegal and can burn up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph" according to AA Drive Smart technical advisor Alan Esam.
"Drive Smart has proven that easing off the gas on the motorway, along with other eco-driving techniques, can slash up to £500 a year from your fuel bills – which means a two-car family can save up to £1,000 a year."
So isn’t it strange that UK Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, has proposed to increase the speed limit on UK motorways from 70- to 80mph?
The idea behind the change they claim is to reduce journey times, as the Government believes that the economy could be improved if motorists spend less time behind the wheel.
Mr. Hammond said that safety might not be the only factor to consider when it comes to judging how fast cars travel on the roads, obviously burning up to 25% more fuel helps to put more revenue into the government coffers every time a motorist fills up.
Speaking to the 'Daily Telegraph', he said: "We need to do this on a pretty rigorous cost-benefit basis. At the moment there are a clear set of criteria for making these decisions. Perhaps we ought to ask if we are using the right set of criteria."
But is this set of criteria about making money for the Government to encourage us as motorists to spend more?
