CRUISE control systems could produce fuel savings for fleets, according to a report from researchers in Holland. Novem (the Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment) has carried out large-scale studies to investigate whether econometers or cruise control systems encourage drivers to improve fuel economy and efficiency.

While business drivers widely ignored econometers, those with cruise control systems travelled slower on all roads outside built-up areas and used the system much more often than investigators had initially expected. The results showed that company car drivers drove about 5% more efficiently in cars fitted with cruise control, while private drivers - responsible for their own fuel bills - drove 10% more efficiently using either cruise control or an econometer.

However, Novem believes that greater savings could be made if cruise control was used longer-term - giving drivers a chance to learn how best to use it. It also predicts that the number of speeding fines and accidents could be reduced with long-term use. The report says: 'Given the fuel-saving opportunities afforded by both cruise control and the econometer, the use of these devices must be promoted.'