Fleets can save thousands of pounds on fuel by taking a few simple measures

• If employees undertook eco-driving training, fleets would save money on fuel, boost retention, lower their environmental impact, and improve safety

• IAM RoadSmart’s stand at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC from 21 to 23 April gave delegates a fuel saving overview

Fleets could save thousands of pounds at the pumps if their employees adopted an eco-driving style, according to research from IAM RoadSmart.

Based on current average diesel prices of £1.90 a litre[i], avoiding bad habits like sharp acceleration, sudden braking, high revs, and mismanaged loads could save a business with a fleet of 100 vans almost £50,000 a year.[ii]

A further £14,000 per year could be saved on tyre wear for a fleet of the same size.

The research, collated through data from 4,500 participants in IAM RoadSmart’s on-road ‘Driving for Work’ training courses delivered throughout 2023 and 2024, shows that companies whose employees participate in driving efficiency training see up to 10 percent improvement in their miles-per-gallon on average.

Furthermore, eco driving can provide additional benefits to firms’ environmental goals, with the potential to cut CO2 emissions for a fleet of 100 by 50 tonnes a year.

Crucially, eco-driving, which is a driving style focused on maximising fuel efficiency and minimising environmental impact, can also enhance safer driving. Work journeys account for nearly one in three deaths on UK roads. [iii]

Policy and External Communications Director at IAM RoadSmart Nicholas Lyes said: “Fuel prices – particularly diesel prices – are at near historic highs and even though there may be some relief on the horizon, fleet managers should still be mindful of preparing all eventualities given global instability.

“Companies can take simple measures to ensure their drivers aren’t needlessly draining the tank. This includes addressing bad habits like driving too fast, accelerating sharply, braking suddenly and poor gear discipline, which have a significant impact on fuel economy across fleets. Even loading a vehicle incorrectly will impact on how quickly your vehicle gets through a litre of fuel.

“The data from our Driving for Work course shows that companies not engaging in training are essentially pouring money down the drain by letting negative driver behaviours go unaddressed. By investing in driving efficiency training, businesses can take impactful steps towards improving driver habits, and begin unlocking the big savings that come in doing so.”

IAM RoadSmart’s Driving for Work training course is designed specifically with business drivers in mind and aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills that help them to stay safe on the road.

On-road training courses offer the most direct route to improved driver safety, helping employees to develop safer behaviours while bringing direct financial benefits to businesses also. By supporting drivers in developing a calmer, more efficient driving style, companies can benefit from reduced incidence of collisions and associated downtime, improved fuel economy, and less wear and tear on vehicles. Moreover, those driving for work may benefit from calmer and less stressful driving.

For further information on IAM RoadSmart’s Driving for Work course, please visit: https://www.iamcommercial.co.uk/driving-for-work/

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart, go to https://www.iamcommercial.co.uk/

Top fuel-saving tips for fleets

For drivers:

• Allow plenty of time for each journey to keep speed low. Did you know you can reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 percent when travelling slower than the 70-mph limit? Ensure all acceleration is gentle, and drive in the highest possible gear whilst keeping within the speed limit.
  
• Anticipate other vehicle movements. Try to anticipate what’s going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead. Sometimes, if it is safe to do so, there might not be a need to stop if the opportunity allows, or if the roundabout entrance coincides with a gap in traffic.
  
• Save fuel by turning off the air conditioning. The air conditioning in your vehicle is powered by fuel – so the more it’s in use, the more fuel you’ll use.
  
• Always consider combining short trips into one longer one. Vehicles burn more fuel in the first few miles of the journey. When your vehicle has been parked for a while, the engine temperature is lower, and requires more fuel. Once the engine is warm, it will operate at its most efficient.
  
• Follow the Schedule: Stick to the maintenance schedule recommended by your fleet’s vehicle manufacturer. Regular oil changes, tyre rotations, and brake inspections can prevent costly repairs down the road.

For managers:

• Ensure your fleet’s tyres are well maintained at the correct pressures. When they are due for replacement, there are brands that are designed for extra economy. Keep in mind, underinflated tyres tend to increase fuel consumption.
  
• Where appropriate, ensure your drivers minimise vehicle weight as much as possible. Vehicles work just like the human body; the body needs more energy to move around larger weight, just like a vehicle. Send a reminder to your drivers to remove unnecessary items from their vehicle to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.
  
• Shop around. Thanks to the Competition and Markets Authority’s review of fuel pricing, most fuel retailers publish their prices. There are multiple apps, such as MyRAC, that can give you the cheapest local price. Do not assume that supermarkets are automatically the lowest-priced.

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