Smarter Travel Choices

Smarter Travel Choices is about thinking differently. How could you reduce the amount of travelling you do, how could your lifestyle improve?

For example, could you have your weekly food shop delivered instead of driving yourself? Or could you walk or cycle to your local convenience store for smaller purchases?

Did you know that one supermarket van delivering to several properties could take many cars off the road, thus improving air quality and reducing congestion? Just making small changes can really add up and everyones efforts combined can make a big impact.

The future of car travel is electric:

Many electric and hybrid vehicles can drive over 320 kilometres on a single charge, and you could save £100+ compared to petrol or diesel cars. They are the future of greener travel. It not only reduces the amount of carbon emissions, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run.

Useful websites regarding EV:

• Energy Saving Trust: This is an independent organisation website that is working to address the climate emergency. It has everything you need to know about an Electric Vehicles and active travel. It demonstrates the benefits and tips with charging your EV.
• Zap Map: This is a website with a wealth of resources about EVs. It also provides a map of all the electric charging points around the UK and is available as a mobile app.

Economical Driving

Some employers are more flexible and adaptable in their working practices, such as allowing flexi-time to fit around public transport services. We understand, of course, this isn’t suitable for everyone and every profession and we understand that driving is sometimes necessary. However, here are some tips on how to drive a little more economically:

Maintenance:

♦ Be sure to check your tyre pressure regularly, especially before long journeys as under-inflated tyres will use up more fuel.

♦ Your car will be at its most efficient if it’s being regularly serviced.

Before you set off:

♦ Although handy to have when needed, roof-racks and boxes increase your fuel consumption, take them off if they’re not being used to reduce drag and save on fuel.

♦ Lose any unnecessary baggage, extra weight means extra fuel!

♦ Plan ahead and know where you’re going. Getting lost lengthens journeys and also means using up more fuel.

♦ Combine short trips, cold starts use more fuel so it pays to group your errands together when you can.

♦ Start your engine when you’re ready to set off on your journey, an idle engine wastes fuel and your engine will warm up quicker when you’re moving too.

On the road:

♦ Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.

♦ Stick to the speed limits, the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption.

♦ Cut down on the air-con; it increases fuel consumption at low speeds.

♦ Try to keep your car moving even at slow speeds as stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling.

♦ Newer car models (since 2014) have been fitted with gear shift indicators, these encourage you to use the most efficient gear for your speed. Try changing gears at an engine speed of 2,000 rpm for diesel, or 2,500 for petrol.