PUT GREEN DRIVING PLANS IN THE FAST LANE - STUNELL

2.11.00pm GMT Mon 15th Dec 2008

Local MP Andrew Stunell has given the thumbs up to a ten point plan which could help save the planet and save motorists money.

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 Stockport were to follow the 10 point plan, there would be 29,700 fewer tonnes of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere. Stockport already produces 198,200 tonnes of CO2 per year, from car emissions alone, 10% higher than the North West Average.

The Energy Saving Trust has found that simple measures such as inflating tyres properly can have a dramatic impact on your wallet, health and local environment. They also recommend 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.

Commenting, Andrew 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 Energy Savings Trust's list has some great ideas for saving money and the environment. If we all adopt these simple ideas we can make a big difference to the local air quality, and have a bit more to spend this Christmas."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The List of Ten Proposals from the Energy Saving Trust is as follows:

• Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).

• Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

• Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

• The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 45 - 50mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption.

• Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

• Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.

• Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

• Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.

• Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

• If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.

2. More information is available at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Travel

3. Stockport produces 198,200 tonnes of CO2 each year from car emissions. The North West Average is 177,409 tonnes. It is estimated that adopting the Energy Saving Trust's proposals could save up to 29,700 tonnes of CO2 per year. Overall, the North west produces 7,628,600 tonnes of CO2 every year, from passenger car emissions. [N.B. All figures are based on Local Authority areas].