Greener Car Travel

Petrol and diesel cars can be expensive to run, so here are some top tips that could make a difference to your journey and reduce the need for such regular trips to the petrol station.

• Service your car regularly to maintain engine efficiency.
• Check your tyre pressures frequently, especially before long journeys. Under inflated tyres create drag which consequently uses more fuel.
• Lose any unnecessary baggage – extra weight means fuel. Perhaps it’s time to clear out the boot of the car?
• Combine short trips into one. Cold starts use more fuel so if you have a few errands to run, complete them in one longer trip.
• Drive smoothly by accelerating gently and read the road ahead to avoid any unnecessary braking.
• Cut down on the air-con. Air conditioning can increase the fuel consumption of your vehicle when driving at low speeds, however, the effects are less noticeable at higher speeds.

Electric Vehicles

Possibly the most useful app and website for electric vehicle owners is Zap Map, which provides locations of electric vehicle charging points across the country, including latest status information on each point.

Sainsburys, Beckton is a 6 minute drive from Gallions Place and offers electric charging points. There are 4 devices and 8 connectors available at Sainsbury’s Beckton. The charge points are operated under the Other network, more information on accessing points on this network can be found on the public charging network area. To see all the EV charging points close to Gallions Place, visit the Zap Map website here or download the Zap Map app on Android or iOS.

By 2035, all new cars produced will be either electric (EVs) or hybrid. Many people are already making that switch now and are experiencing the many benefits. EVs and hybrid vehicles are often cheaper to run and maintain compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Additionally, the government are often offering tax incentives to encourage people to swap from traditional combustion engines to electric vehicles. A common concern with EVs is range anxiety. Most new vehicles will cover between 100 and 300 miles on a full charge (dependent on conditions and model of car). The average car journey in the UK is only 8 miles and 25% of journeys are less than 2 miles! For more information, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

Car Sharing

What is car sharing? Car sharing is essentially commuting with someone who is going towards a similar destination. You could car share as a passenger or driver, sharing the journey with another person.

When can you car share? There are no rules when it comes to car sharing, the main goal is to share as and when deemed possible! This could be for work shifts, a weekly food shop, studies, or even for a regular hobby you may attend. Speak with friends, work colleagues or neighbours and see if you can adapt at all to reduce your single car usage.

Why should you car share? Did you know that there are over 38 million empty seats on the road everyday? Single occupancy vehicles (SOV) contributes to 15 billion kg of CO₂, totalling 82% of emissions per year in the UK. Although alternatives such as cycling or walking are great ways to help the environment, statistics show that if 82% of people do not change their habit of driving in an SOV, the reduction in emissions will be small.

Liftshare has been set up with an aim to simplify the process of lift sharing and to make it convenient for you.

The Liftshare website is free to join and you have both the opportunity to advertise as a driver or as a passenger. The online database then helps you find suitable car sharing options, whether this is for your regular commute or a one-off trip to an event or concert.

All it takes is to follow a few simple steps;

→ Sign up for free at Liftshare.

→ Find a suitable car sharing partner and message through the online system.

→ Organise and arrange your first car sharing journey!

For a full step-by-step guide on the process, please view the Liftshare Member User Guide.

Did you know there are already over 100 drivers and passengers car sharing in the Newham area? So why not join them to reduce your emissions and alleviate road traffic?

By doing so, you are not only saving carbon emissions but you can also save money. Sign up and join online here.

Enterprise Car Club

We understand that perhaps sharing a car with a stranger might not be comfortable, or maybe that you work a very early or night shift. Car Clubs are rent by the hour or a day service that saves you the hassle of worrying about insurance, fuel and cleaning! Click here to read more about car clubs or visit the Enterprise Car Club website here.

The nearest car club vehicle to Gallions Place is currently located on Shackleton Way, which is a 3 minute walk away.

Did you know that a car club will be coming to Gallions Place very soon! Keep an eye on our social media pages for further updates.