Motorists told to cut CO2 emissions

Monday, March 12, 2007

DfT tries to get motorists to drive more cleanly
Scheme gives tips on reducing emissions
Programme will eventually spread to other areas

The Government has launched a new campaign to get motorists to drive more cleanly

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Motorists are the first target in a new Government campaign to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

The Department for Transport has launched a new 'Act on CO2' programme that aims to encourage motorists to reduce their carbon dioxide output.

The campaign says motorists could prevent the release of 5.5 million tones of CO2 if they drove more carefully, and could save £2 billion a year in fuel bills at the same time.

Among its tips, the campaign suggests ensuring your tyres are at the correct pressure, reducing the weight of your car by removing unnecessary luggage or loads, reducing speed, planning routes to avoid stop-start traffic and to prevent working engines too hard.

It also advises motorists to switch off their engines if they know they are going to be at a halt for three minutes or more, and to consider smaller, more efficient cars they next time they buy.

Transport Minister Gillian Merron said: 'This campaign is all about giving drivers practical tips to help them make that real difference. Put quite simply, the way we drive can help to reduce our impact on the environment, and, by using less fuel, motorists can save money, too.'

Cars account for around 10% of a household's overall carbon footprint (the total amount of carbon dioxide it generates in a year), with the majority accounted for by central heating systems.

The DfT said the 'Act on CO2' programme would become a more wide-ranging initiative on reducing emissions 'in due course'. To take a look at the 'Act on CO2' website and find out about the tips it provides, click here.