Watchdog's tips for hard hit motorists

Business experts are warning that rising petrol and diesel prices could bring economic recovery in the West Midlands to a halt.

With petrol and diesel prices soaring to new highs and a possible further rise in April, rural business watchdog, the CLA, is encouraging motorists to be as fuel efficient as possible and has come up with some top tips to make your tank last longer.

CLA West Midlands director Caroline Bedell said: "Due to the VAT increase and high global oil prices we are seeing an extraordinary hike in fuel prices. Both diesel and petrol prices have gone up by more than six pence a litre in just one month – that's a huge threat to businesses and to people living in remote areas where a car is often the only means of transport.

"There are however, steps that some drivers can take to be as fuel efficient as possible. The guidelines are quite straightforward, yet many people do not appreciate just how much of an impact they could have."

Ten top tips for fuel efficient driving:

1. Ensure your car is well maintained - a badly tuned engine could be using up to 50 percent more fuel.
2. Try and travel at times when queues are shortest. Sitting in a traffic jam uses up more fuel.
3. Reduce short journeys if practical. Walk or cycle to your local shop to pick up the paper.
4. Don't carry needless weight. Check you have got only the essentials in your boot and take off the roof rack if you don't need it.
5. Look at the option of car sharing. Not only is it more fuel efficient, it will also help congestion.
6. Most cars run at their most efficient at 60mph. Every 5 mph above that you drive, you will lose 6 per cent of your fuel economy.
7. Make sure you know where you are going. An estimated 350,000 tonnes of fuel is wasted every year by people being lost in their cars.
8. Driving smoothly is more efficient. According to research, hard accelerating and sudden braking could use up to 40 percent more fuel.
9. Consider changing your car to a smaller, greener car.
10. Judge whether it is utterly necessary to take the car. Public transport (if operational and frequent!) can be quicker, especially during rush hour.

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