Employers urged to help staff drive smarter

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has today launched a new smarter driving training course aimed specifically at businesses and designed to help employees cut carbon emissions and fuel use by up to 15 per cent.

The course was launched as the EST released new research claiming that smarter driving techmniques, such as smoother braking and cornering, could save British motorists £5bn a year in fuel costs and cut carbon emissions by 10m tonnes.

A survey of UK workers also found that nearly half would like to see their employer offer green benefits or training, such as smart driving lessons.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said that workplace training that helps staff to save an average of between £200 and £250 per person was likely to prove popular during the current economic climate.

"With the economy in turmoil and people feeling the pinch more than ever, it is crucially important that employers look at how they can support their staff in every way they can," he said. "Employees take this issue seriously and now so should employers."

Transport Minister Andrew Adonis welcomed the new course, adding that there was aa strong commercial case for businesses to offer staff smart driving training as it will not only prove popular with employess but also help companies cut their own fuel bills.

"In the space of an hour's smarter driving lesson with the Energy Saving Trust, drivers can save as much as 15 per cent of the fuel they use," he said. "For employers this means improved efficiency, with reduced emissions and cuts in fuel spending."

The new courses require a minimum of 24 participants and cost £15 per employee. The hour long course takes place with an advanced driving instructor on a test track with participants then receiving feedback on how much they improved and how much money and fuel they can save each year through smarter driving.