Drive smarter and cut fuel bills by 15%, says Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust is urging companies to consider subsidised Smarter Driving training as it launches a nine-month-long roadshow programme to help businesses save 20ppl on fuel.

The Smarter Driving Programme trains employees in techniques to help them drive more efficiently and is a proven method of reducing the cost of fuel and the likelihood of accidents.

The organisation estimates that a driver who completes 12,000 miles a year could save £250 on fuel and significantly reduce their carbon emissions.

Around 9,000 employees across England – working for organisations which operate company fleets of more than 20 vehicles – will be trained by the Energy Saving Trust over the next nine months.

The training is subsidised by the Department for Transport and takes just 50 minutes per person. The training starts and finishes at the workplace so disruption to the working day is minimised.

Bob Saynor, Smarter Driving programme manager for the Energy Saving Trust, said: “We know that rising fuel bills can really affect a company’s balance sheet. It’s why some of the big players like Boots and Vauxhall have already put their staff through our courses to cut down costs and improve green credentials. Our national roadshow will help us reach other companies across the UK.

“Smarter driving is all about reducing fuel consumption. Our trainers work on techniques such as changing up at low revs and helping drivers anticipate the road further ahead. Learning a few simple techniques not only makes an economical difference to drivers but also makes them safer as they have better road sense. The feedback we have had from employees who have completed the courses has been very positive.”

The England-wide roadshow will kick off at Northumberland County Council in July. Smarter Driving courses can be organised through a new online scheduling system which allows businesses to book their own sessions and reminds them of their appointment.

Up to eight smarter driving sessions can take place at one workplace in one day. The Energy Saving Trust provides the vehicles and insurance. The course is subsidised by the Department for Transport: each lesson costs just £25 per driver.