CBI: We Want Energy Efficiency On Driving Tests

Posted on 03. Mar, 2010 by Ross in Transport, United Kingdom, Warehousing, Distribution & Logistics

Business lobby organisation the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called for mandatory energy efficiency testing as part of the driving test, doing a U-turn on its growing resistance to UK low-carbon legislation in the wake of the failed Copenhagen conference.

Smooth driving and the avoidance of sharp braking or acceleration can reduce fuel use by 5-10% and save drivers £200-250 a year, according to the CBI’s report, Tackling Climate Change closer to home (PDF).

Personal transport currently accounts for over a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, which are scheduled for a 34% reduction over the next decade. High profile legislation such as the imminent CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is expected to drive carbon reduction progress, but with sectors such as the airline industry expected to get an easy ride with little or no emission reduction targets, other areas are likely to get hit harder, and improving driving technique is a simple way everyone can reduce emissions, says Neil Bentley of the CBI.

Learner drivers already have to demonstrate they can drive in a fuel-efficient manner, but this is not a pass or fail element. Making energy-efficient driving techniques a mandatory part of the test will make a significant contribution to changing the next generation of motorists’ behaviour.

The CBI report also calls for other measures to be introduced including setting limits for passenger car emissions and using revenues from highly emitting vehicles to subsidise low-carbon choices.

As well as benefiting individuals, the CBI will be hoping for an impact on business energy efficiency as well. Transport emissions are a large contributor of a lot of companies’ carbon footprints, and schooling drivers in more fuel efficient driving techniques will save money for business. This is particularly relevant for haulage companies, but is also applicable to any company with a car fleet or which reimburses employees for travelling costs.

Image of matchbox cars at the Singapore Toy Museum by Shiny Things @ Flickr