ALISTAIR Darling, the UK transport secretary, has just announced a £1.3 million scheme to train 200 instructors who will in turn offer training to 3,500 van drivers across the country.

The Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers Scheme aims to encourage safer, cleaner and cheaper driving and follows a successful trial, which showed cash and environmental savings from the use of advanced driving techniques with no effect on delivery times.

A van driver doing 20,000 miles a year could cut fuel use by 10%, saving £500 and should have fewer accidents, with lower insurance and lower maintenance costs, the Government says.

Carbon emissions should drop by over 250kg, plus the vehicle should have a better residual value. Van drivers in small or medium sized firms using their own van qualify for free training