MOTORISTS across Warwickshire are being advised to slow down and save cash on fuel.
The cost of filling up a car with petrol or diesel or charging it has increased significantly in recent years as the cost of living pressures continues to bite. But Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership said drivers can reduce their motoring costs by not speeding – as speeding uses up more fuel.
RAC research among 2,000 drivers in March 2022, found that 70 per cent said they are ‘very concerned’ about how high pump prices are. Despite fuel prices easing slightly in recent months, a litre of fuel still costs around 30p more than it did in 2020.
Driving at an appropriate speed for the conditions within the speed limit could save cash.
Driving at 70mph, for example, will use up to nine per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more fuel than driving at 50mph, according to the AA.
Slowing down also brings benefits to the environment. National Highways research has found that slowing down just 10mph to 60mph from 70mph on motorways reduces emissions, improves local air quality and has a positive impact on the environment.
There are also benefits to other road users and for road safety because good drivers drive safely and within the speed limit. This means they have plenty of time to see and react to what’s going on around them, and they have more time to take evasive action when necessary to avoid a potential collision.
Warwickshire County Council’s transport spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki said “There is no doubt that driving safely within speed limits saves fuel and lives in the event of a collision. But driving as smoothly as possible is also important for the best fuel economy.
“Driving smoothly is an artform only the best drivers can master because you need to anticipate what is going to happen in the road ahead of you by looking well ahead. This allows you to slow down naturally and you may be able to keep moving rather than coming to a stop at traffic lights or a queue of traffic for example.
“Not speeding has other benefits. The obvious one is that you will also not risk being caught speeding which could cost you three points and £100 and affect your job. An alternative outcome of a speed awareness course does help change attitudes to speed, but the driver does have to pay for the course. You will also be doing your bit to ensure the roads are safer for everyone. We would like to thank those drivers and riders who make this a priority on every journey.”
To get people thinking about how they can save cash and be a better driver, the partnership is advertising on petrol pump dispensers at ten of the most visited petrol stations across Warwickshire for a four week campaign, which started on Monday (July 3).
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership will also be distributing posters to shops and businesses and using social media to prompt motorists to think about how they can save cash on fuel and become a better driver at the same time.
More information can be found at https://warksroadsafety.org/
