Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2005
Lack of driver education to blame for fatal accidents
A lack of driver education is to blame for fatal accidents on motorways according to a report by an insurance company. Direct Line, the UK's largest car insurer, is calling for changes to the driving test to include education on motorway driving due to a rise in the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGV).
Lack of driver education to blame for fatal accidents
A lack of driver education is to blame for fatal accidents on motorways according to a report by an insurance company. Direct Line, the UK's largest car insurer, is calling for changes to the driving test to include education on motorway driving due to a rise in the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGV).
14 December 2009
Trafford Officer Tackles Gunman
A Manchester police man has been praised for tackling an armed assailant who threatened to shoot his colleague. The officer responded to a call for assistance after a fellow police man, who had been called to a disturbance at a pub on Lytham Road in Flixton, was threatened with a gun yesterday afternoon.
Trafford Officer Tackles Gunman
A Manchester police man has been praised for tackling an armed assailant who threatened to shoot his colleague. The officer responded to a call for assistance after a fellow police man, who had been called to a disturbance at a pub on Lytham Road in Flixton, was threatened with a gun yesterday afternoon.
10 December 2009
Guman Stopped Near Blair's Home
An Albanian man has been accused of possessing a loaded weapon outside the London home of former prime minister Tony Blair. Kutjim Nurka, 56, was stopped in his car by officers patrolling Connaught Street on Monday night.
Guman Stopped Near Blair's Home
An Albanian man has been accused of possessing a loaded weapon outside the London home of former prime minister Tony Blair. Kutjim Nurka, 56, was stopped in his car by officers patrolling Connaught Street on Monday night.
15 July 2008
Death Drivers To Face Tougher Sentences
Motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales could face harsher sentences under tough new guidelines introduced today. The guidance, issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council, covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Death Drivers To Face Tougher Sentences
Motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales could face harsher sentences under tough new guidelines introduced today. The guidance, issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council, covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
14 August 2007
Britain Braced For More Bad Weather
Britain is facing yet more bad weather as the Met Office is forecasting gales and heavy rain across the UK this week. Forecasters say that the worst of the weather is likely to be across the western half of the UK with between 30mm and 60mm of rain expected over some upland areas of England and Wales on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
Britain Braced For More Bad Weather
Britain is facing yet more bad weather as the Met Office is forecasting gales and heavy rain across the UK this week. Forecasters say that the worst of the weather is likely to be across the western half of the UK with between 30mm and 60mm of rain expected over some upland areas of England and Wales on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
