How Green is Your Driving?
‘Eco-safe’ driving knowledge is set to be included in the UK driving test from autumn 2008 as part of the government’s campaign to cut down on carbon emissions. From September, candidates will be tested on how green their driving is, by checking for accelerating or braking sharply and knowledge of other energy saving tips including knowing the correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary baggage and loads in the car.
Candidates will not be passed or failed on the basis of knowledge of environmental awareness, but research has shown that driving the eco friendly way can potentially save between 5 and 17 per cent of fuel and emissions. It is also believed to be much safer too, according to the Department of Transport. The Department predicts that if all drivers in the UK followed the tips, CO2 emissions from cars could be reduced by 8 per cent (5.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year, saving motorists more than £2bn a year). Environmental experts in the Netherlands have already suggested that fuel could be cut by one third if energy saving tips are followed.
