Published: Thursday, 30th July, 2009 10:00am

Driving tips to save cash and the planet

by James Kell

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READING drivers have been getting tips on saving fuel and the environment.

The town has been chosen for a fuel efficiency challenge and experts believe the average Reading driver could save more than £300 a year by changing their driving style.

BP driving expert Anthony Sale said: "Stamping on the brakes and then accelerating hard is efficient driving's worst enemy. An efficient driver is a smooth driver.

"With speed humps, people often drive up to them at 30mph, brake hard, take the bump and then accelerate hard away before braking again for the next one. That's disastrous for fuel economy."

This weekend, drivers in Reading have been challenged to learn these techniques for themselves.

Drivers and companies can put their names down for a 20 minute lesson in a new Ford Focus ECOnetic or a 20 minute company seminar, and compare their results with the optimum.

Sue Horler of BP said: "Our in-car computer reveals the effect on fuel efficiency of every squeeze of the accelerator and each stab of the brakes.

"It's amazing how much further we can take drivers who learn the basics of efficient driving."

For more tips and to sign up visit www.gbfuelefficiencychallenge.co.uk

- Watch Chronicle Reporter James Kell take on the challenge:

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