Drivers across the UK could save £6 billion worth of fuel whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 10.3 million tonnes annually if they all adopted eco-driving techniques practised by many fleets.

Research by the British School of Motoring (BSM) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST) highlight how learning a few simple techniques could make a massive difference to the environment.

The two organisations are now urging all motorists to drive responsibly and safely.

To help, BSM is launching Eco-safe driving lessons and in-car sessions designed to help improve the way people drive.
Meanwhile, Europcar has proved that a relatively new car, combined with some simple driving techniques, can save as much as £800 a year in fuel costs compared with driving an older vehicle.

Its research found that, when eco-driving techniques are used, the new cars it tested over a 125-mile motorway route achieved a 14% improvement over official combined fuel economy figures

Tim Bailey, Europcar’s fleet director said: “Our experiment shows not only that driving the newer cars will save you money, but also that the driving style adopted plays a huge part in the fuel economy you can achieve.

"This is clearly a strong argument for renting a car rather than using an older model.”