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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Peter Black is green prix champion for Energy Saving Week
October 20, 2010 12:00 AM
Peter Black AM with Helen Northmore, Head of Energy Saving Trust Wales for Energy Saving Week.
The South Wales West Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black has taken part in a 'green prix' to find out how to be a smarter driver this Energy Saving Week (25th-31st October).
Mr. Black took the wheel of the Energy Saving Trust's driving simulator for the Smarter Driving Challenge in the Senedd in Cardiff. The simulator assesses the driver's ability to drive efficiently.
Energy Saving Trust experts advised Mr. Black that becoming a smarter driver can help reduce your annual fuel bill, cut your carbon emissions, reduce wear and tear on the vehicle and help you enjoy safer, less stressful journeys.
Leaving the car at home and making better use of other modes of transport, such as public transport, cycling or walking can make a big difference to the climate and the wallet.
Helen Northmore, Head of Energy Saving Trust's Wales, said: "It's been a pleasure to team up with Peter for Energy Saving Week.
"It's surprising just how easy it can be to become a smarter driver. Travelling more sustainably doesn't just benefit the environment, it can save money too. Planning journeys to avoid traffic and staying on top of tyre pressure can save on expensive fuel. Drivers who make small changes to their habits could see savings of up to £250 each year."
Mr Black, said: "The Energy Saving Trust's help in identifying smarter travel tips and using the driving simulator has been invaluable. I'd urge people across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend to use Energy Saving Week as a kick-start to think about not only the way they use their car, but the energy they use in all aspects of their lives."
Ends
For further information please contact Daniel Tyte (daniel.tyte@workingwordpr.com) or Bethan Davies (bethan.davies@workingwordpr.com) at Working Word PR on 02920 646840
Energy Saving Trusts' 'Eco-driving' tips:
1. Drive Off From Cold. Modern cars are designed to move straight away. Warming up the engine just wastes fuel - and actually causes engine wear
2. Check Your Revs. Change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) or 2,000rpm (diesel)
3. Drive Smoothly. Anticipate road conditions so that you drive smoothly and avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
4. Step Off The Accelerator. When slowing down or driving downhill, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator early. This reduces fuel flow to the engine to virtually zero.
5. Slow Down. Driving within the speed limit is safer as well as being the law, and reduces fuel consumption.
6. Switch It Off. Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they are re-started without pressing the accelerator. Turn off the engine if you're going to be stationary for more than a minute or two.
7. Plan Ahead. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion and road works, and to make sure you don't waste fuel or time getting lost!
8. Keep It Long. Use other forms of transport for short journeys, if you can. A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
9. Reduce Drag. Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remove them when not in use.
10. Check Tyre Pressure. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous and increase fuel consumption.
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