Van fleet managers attending the Fleet Van Conference on November 22 will be briefed on a Government-backed driving scheme that could slash running costs and cut accidents.

The Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Scheme (SAFED) recently secured £1.2 million from the government to fund free and reduced cost training for fleet operators to help them boost fuel economy and cut accidents.

SAFED aims to encourage driving techniques that save fuel, thereby cutting costs and CO2 emissions.

Since its launch, the Department for Transport has invested almost £2.2 million in the scheme and trained nearly 7,800 drivers.

On average, trained drivers improve fuel economy by 16%.

The new money will part-fund training for new instructors, new assessors and up to 6,500 drivers over the three years.

The Fleet Van Conference, to be held at the Concept Centre, Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, will provide a wealth of expert help on operating fleets of light commercial vehicles.

To help fleets understand their legal obligations, there will be three sessions covering safety and the law.

Other issues include general best practice, wholelife costs, funding, fuel economy and emissions, technology choices, handling fines and penalties and loading issues.

Case studies will include BSkyB and Royal Mail.

For tickets and information on sponsorship and exhibition space, contact Lorraine Goodwin by email on lorraine.goodwin@emap.com or telephone her on 01733 468859.

For more details, visit www.fleetvanconference.com.