Drivers slow as fuel costs soar
Out of fuel? Out of pocket? You’re not alone
As costs at the pump continue to rise, motorists are becoming more aware of the connection between fuel economy and driving efficiency by sticking to speed limits and adopting smoother driving habits.
Since the Millennium, fuel prices have continued to rise due to recently high global oil prices and a steadily climbing VAT which peaked on January 4th, 2011 when it leapt from 17.5% to 20%.
The surge in petrol and diesel costs means drivers are finding themselves back on the forecourt with empty tanks and empty pockets. Drivers are now paying over £10 more per tank of diesel than a year ago and over £8.40 more per tank of petrol*.
Yet instead of seeing petrol refineries blockaded or forceful protesting, people seem to be taking more practical steps to cut their fuel bills.
Here at Golden River, we manage and facilitate traffic data collection for countless road operators and authorities in the UK so we were naturally curious to conduct our own research.
By collecting and analysing data from motorway traffic, we observed that average speeds and traffic volumes have equally reduced by approximately 5%.
Our report is further backed by a Department for Transport study claiming more than half of all drivers intend to reduce their speed on motorways in order to conserve fuel and a recent AA survey stating 59% of drivers intend to reduce their speed on motorways to cut fuel consumption. And that’s just the men – an even greater 65% of female drivers plan to do the same.
And they’re wise to do so. Sticking to the speed limit, especially on motorways is one of the most effective ways to cut fuel costs. Graham Muspratt, Group Product & Marketing Manager of Golden River commented: ‘Typically, motorists will cruise along at 80mph on the motorway – but let’s not forget this is illegal and can burn up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph’.
A recent study by WhatCar magazine also challenged the popular idea that a car is most efficient at speeds between 50 and 60mph. Tests on five different cars ranging from a 1 litre Toyota Aygo to a 2.2 litre Land Rover Freelander found that the most efficient speed was below 40mph for all five and as low as 20mph for two.
As motorists responsible for our own actions, it makes sense to adopt better, safer, more efficient driving habits. As such, we’ve compiled a set of economic driving tips to ensure you get more miles for your money by reducing the amount of fuel we waste every time you get behind the wheel.
1) Keeping your speed down will reduce fuel consumption, as will avoiding erratic driving such as braking heavily and going full throttle at 80mph on the motorway. As well as risking a speeding fine, you’re also bleeding your tank dry when you could be preserving it.
2) Carrying extra loads in the car will also drain your tank quicker since the engine has to work harder to transport that weight around.
3) 20% of underinflation can increase your fuel consumption by 3% reducing tyre life by 30% so it pays literally to ensure your tyres and firm and fit for the journey.
4) On a hot day, as tempting as it may be to blast the air con, that system requires power to operate – power which is sourced from your fuel. Opening the windows will get the air flowing just as well but bear in mind the ‘drag’ factor the breeze will have on the car.
5) Questioning whether you need to take your car if others are travelling in your direction is also an option. Do you have a colleague that lives in your area? Sharing lifts could cut your fuel bills and your stress levels on the daily commute.
6) Garages vary in prices so it pays to shop around. But be aware of how far away that ultra-cheap garage is – if it costs you more to get there, consider whether the saving is really worth the detour.
This research is just one example of our data capturing capabilities. To discover our entire range of data collection tools and services, click onto www.goldenriver.co.uk
* Based on a 50-litre tank and February’s price of 128.83p per litre of unleaded (up 16.88p since a year ago); and 134.08 per litre of diesel (up 20.66p since a year ago)