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25/01/2006
Green scheme for 'white van drivers'
The government has launched an advanced driving scheme for UK van drivers, which aims to make them safer and more environmentally friendly.
The £1.3 million Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers Scheme aims to encourage safer, cleaner and cheaper driving, through an optional one-day course.
The course involves a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition and teaches the use of driving techniques such as better use of gears, keeping correct braking distances, fuel economy and better road awareness.
The scheme will fund 200 instructors to offer initial training to 3,500 van drivers across the country.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said that a pilot project had shown that significant financial and environmental gains could be made by using advanced driving techniques without any noticeable impact on delivery times.
The benefits for a driver doing 20,000 miles per year, included savings of up to £500 of diesel per vehicle, a reduction of over a quarter of a tonne in carbon emissions and reduction in fuel consumption by around 10% per vehicle.
Mr Darling said: "The white van fleet keeps the British economy moving - playing a vital role in its success.
"Van drivers can play their part in making Britain a greener place. At the same time making a tidy saving.
"The scheme we are launching today makes business sense. As our pilot shows, greener, cheaper, safer driving is possible, while still getting the product there on time."
Anyone interested in the scheme can register their interest by contacting 0870 190 8440, visiting the web-site at www.safed.org.uk or emailing vans.
(KMcA/SP)
The £1.3 million Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers Scheme aims to encourage safer, cleaner and cheaper driving, through an optional one-day course.
The course involves a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition and teaches the use of driving techniques such as better use of gears, keeping correct braking distances, fuel economy and better road awareness.
The scheme will fund 200 instructors to offer initial training to 3,500 van drivers across the country.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said that a pilot project had shown that significant financial and environmental gains could be made by using advanced driving techniques without any noticeable impact on delivery times.
The benefits for a driver doing 20,000 miles per year, included savings of up to £500 of diesel per vehicle, a reduction of over a quarter of a tonne in carbon emissions and reduction in fuel consumption by around 10% per vehicle.
Mr Darling said: "The white van fleet keeps the British economy moving - playing a vital role in its success.
"Van drivers can play their part in making Britain a greener place. At the same time making a tidy saving.
"The scheme we are launching today makes business sense. As our pilot shows, greener, cheaper, safer driving is possible, while still getting the product there on time."
Anyone interested in the scheme can register their interest by contacting 0870 190 8440, visiting the web-site at www.safed.org.uk or emailing vans.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
