Green driving

Being a green driver doesn't mean having to change your car, there are some simple measures we can all take to help reduce our impact on the environment.

The good news is that by reducing your CO₂ emissions not only will you be doing your bit to reduce pollution, using less fuel means that you will be saving money too.

Seven steps to greener driving

Making a few simple changes to your driving habits can have a big impact:

1. Anticipate the changes in traffic flow by watching the road ahead. Try to avoid the need to accelerate or break sharply, maintaining a constant speed. A smooth driving style will reduce your fuel consumption and limit your CO₂ emissions.
2. Check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
3. Remove unnecessary weight from your car. This could mean taking the clutter out of the boot or removing your roof-rack when you're not using it, any extra weight will increase fuel consumption so make sure you're only transporting the things you'll need.
4. Switch off your engine when idling. The Department for Transport suggests you switch off your engine if you anticipate you will be stationary for three minutes or more.
5. Change gear. Moving up a gear sooner than usual will improve fuel efficiency. Government advice is to move up a gear when a petrol car reaches 2500rpm and at 2000rpm for diesel vehicles.
6. Limit the use of electrical devices. Electrical equipment such as air conditioning and satellite navigation systems increase fuel consumption, only use them when you really need to.  
7. Plan your journey. Journey planning doesn't only help to manage your stress and fatigue, efficient planning can reduce journey time and distance, using less fuel.

For more advice on how to reduce the environmental impact of your travel, read our green tips for drivers.