Dorset Police and the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership have devised some new efficiency tips for saving money on petrol and helping the environment.

These new economic driving tips have been developed in order to help Dorset’s motor vehicle users to save money and assist the environment. They provide helpful and informative advice on driving economically, checking your vehicle and reading the road. The tips include ideas such as:

Checking the tyres

Ensuring that tyres pressures are checked regularly (at least every fortnight) can save on fuel consumption by up to 3% (www.fuel-economy.co.uk). This is because an under inflated tyre creates more resistance when the vehicle is moving. They will also need replacing much sooner too.

Starting the vehicle

Now that the colder weather is on its way try not to leave your vehicle running to warm it up. It wastes fuel as well as causing unnecessary wear and tear on the engine. Investing in some decent de-icer and as long as it is safe to do so drive off straight away.

Avoid short journeys

A cold engine can use twice as much fuel as a warm engine and therefore produces much more C02. Avoiding short journeys that do not give the engine time to warm up is much more efficient for the car. Do you really need to use your car today or can you walk to work?

Pay attention!

Too many road traffic collisions are caused by human error. Always read the road and watch out for hazards, allow plenty of time and reduce heavy acceleration and breaking. Expect the unexpected! By anticipating the road ahead you will be a safer driver and save fuel by slowing down earlier and not necessarily coming to a complete stop.

Keep your vehicle tidy

Any extra weight on the back of your bike or in the boot of your car is extra weight that your engine has to pull. Reducing the workload of your engine means you are reducing your C02 emissions and your fuel consumption.

Finally, stick to the speed limit

The speed limit is the lawful maximum speed for the road, it is not a target. Reducing your speed will save you money on your petrol and reduce your emissions. Driving at 70mph could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph. If you are driving on a dual carriageway, doing 80mph will only get you to your destination about 2 minutes quicker than doing 70mph. Always stick to the limit. (www.fuel-economy.co.uk and www.dft.gov.uk)

For more tips or further information please visit the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership website (www.dorsetsafetycameras.org.uk) or contact Emily Holtom on 01305 227656.