News
Friday 20 March 2009
LIVINGSTON RESIDENTS IN DRIVER'S SEAT AT ECO-DRIVING EVENT
Shoppers in Livingston are being encouraged to take up eco-driving techniques at a special roadshow at The Almondvale Centre, Livingston on Sunday 22 March 2009, hosted by The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland.
The roadshow is part of a three-year campaign, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, to encourage Scottish commuters to drive in a more economical manner. Eco-driving experts will be on hand throughout the day to offer top tips on how those behind the wheel can cut fuel use and consequently save money.
Participants will be invited to road test the Energy Saving Trust's specially designed simulator, which has been developed to provide practical eco-driving skills, they will also have the opportunity to win a satellite navigation system.
In addition, on the same day Energy Saving Trust experts will also be on-hand between 10am and 6pm at St James Centre in Edinburgh; offering shoppers advice on eco-driving techniques.
The £1.5million Eco-drive Scotland campaign is targeting commuters as they drive to and from work through a combination of filling station, billboard, breakfast and drivetime radio advertising. In addition, a website – www.ecodrivescotland.com – has been set up where drivers can learn more about eco-driving. People can also call freephone 0800 512012 for free, local advice on eco-driving.
Research shows that if all West Lothian's motorists switched to eco-driving habits they would save a staggering £10.7 million a year and 28,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the equivalent of one motorist driving from Edinburgh to Glasgow 1.8million times, or to taking 10,000 cars off the road for a year.
Chris Morris, Energy Saving Scotland advice centre manager for the South East said: “Our roadshow at The Almondvale Centre is aimed at helping Livingston residents reduce their fuel use whilst minimising their impact on the environment – visitors will not only gain top tips from our transport advisors but they will also have the opportunity to eco-drive in our very own simulator.
“Giving people the opportunity to experience eco-driving first hand in our simulator will help put the eco-driving principles in perspective – whilst also having a good time.”
“Its all too easy to forget about eco-driving in the heat of the moment, when the lights change or when running late for an appointment. We think the eco-driving simulator is the ideal way to get people to remember about eco-driving techniques the next time they get behind the wheel. We have also teamed up with local radio stations to get the message out while people are driving in their cars.”
“We want eco-driving to become a regular driving habit and not something drivers do just when they remember. If every motorist in Scotland were to adopt one eco-driving tip a week we'd be on our way to making a big difference, both to the environment and drivers' pockets.”
The campaign focuses on four key pieces of advice for motorists. These are:
1. Shift to as high a gear as possible: driving at lower engine speeds reduces fuel consumption: change up between 2000 and 2500 rpm.
2. Anticipate road conditions and drive more smoothly: rather than last minute braking, decelerate smoothly be releasing the throttle as early as possible. This allows the car to decelerate using engine braking. With the car in gear and throttle release, a modern car uses virtually no fuel at all.
3.Maintain a steady speed in as high a gear as possible: driving at a steady speed requires little effort for the engine. Avoiding unnecessary acceleration and heavy braking helps reduce fuel consumption.
4.Drive a little slower than your normal speed: stick to the speed limits and make your fuel go further. For most cars the most efficient speed is between 45 and 50mph. Driving at 50mph rather than 70 mph reduces your fuel consumption by 10 per cent at a stroke.
Notes to editor
About The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland
The Energy Saving Trust is one of Scotland and the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. It aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions – the main greenhouse gas causing climate change – by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy.
The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland is part of a UK-wide non-profit organisation providing impartial information and advice. It manages a network of advice centres in Scotland specifically designed to help consumers take action to save energy, including cutting car fuel bills.
In Scotland, this Energy Saving Scotland advice centre network aims to reach 250,000 people every year.
The Energy Saving Trust's work in Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government.
Visit: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland
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Contact
David Sawyer 07770 886923
Lisa Palompo 07770 886932
Hayley Ford 07770 886950
