Council staff get tips on ‘smarter driving’ to help reduce CO2 emissions
To help combat climate change and reduce its
‘carbon footprint’, the Borough Council has organised a number of
‘smarter driving’ sessions for staff.
The practical training sessions, which will
take place next week, are the result of a partnership between the
Energy Saving Trust and the Council and are run by an approved
driving instructor accredited by the Energy Saving Trust.
Once staff have received a 50 minute training session, there is the
potential for them to save a considerable amount of fuel and money
over a sustained period of time. 24 staff are taking part,
from a variety of roles including field force, civil enforcement,
community care and environmental health officers.
Smarter Driving means driving in a style that
reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and lowers accident
rates. It involves using gears, acceleration and powers of
anticipation to adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style.
Each driver completes a given circuit twice,
once before and once after training. Miles per gallon are measured
for both circuits so that drivers can see for themselves how much
they save. The drivers are then presented with a certificate
showing their percentage reduction in fuel consumption and stating
how much money this would save over a year (these figures are
tailored for the individual employee’s annual mileage and current
car).
On average, drivers are able to reduce their
fuel consumption by approximately 15 per cent after tuition.
For a typical car in the UK this equates to annual savings of more
than £250 and more than half a tonne of CO2!
Information on the Council’s Climate Change
Strategy will shortly be available on this website.
Alternatively, residents can telephone the Council on 01992 785511
to find out more.
Page last updated:
10/18/2010