20 simple changes Greener travel

Reduce car use

Cyclist

Cycling is a greener travel option

Leaving your car at home will help reduce the environmental impact of driving as well as cutting costly fuel bills. 

But reducing car use doesn't have to be a struggle. Why not make a pact to walk short journeys, share a car with others in your household or even combine journeys? Simple steps to reduce the number of car journeys can have the same effect as leaving your car at home.

There are various organisations that can help you on the road to greener travel. Liftshare is a UK-wide 'budi' service that aims to partner travellers moving by bicycle, car or on foot.

Prepare your vehicle before you travel

Driving

Greener driving - reduce fuel consumption

When you travel, there’s lots you can do to improve your vehicle’s fuel consumption and lower its emissions.

Removing unnecessary items from your car each time you return home will lighten the load and help reduce fuel consumption. This is also true of removing roof racks, which not only reduces weight but also fuel-guzzling wind resistance.

Dirty air filters and deflated tyres also can decrease fuel economy. Fuel consumption increases by 1% every 6psi the tyre is under-inflated so be sure to regularly check tyre pressure, especially before long journeys.

Greener driving tips

The way you drive can have a big impact on the emissions your vehicle produces.

According to consumer advice directory Directgov, personal car travel produces 13% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions and it contributes to local air pollution and congestion.

The easiest way to cut fuel consumption is to drive smoothly – check the road ahead, anticipate traffic and avoid harsh acceleration and braking. When you pull over or park, switch off the engine if you won’t be moving on for a few minutes.

Keeping the engine running or pumping the accelerator wastes fuel as well as increasing engine wear and emissions.

Discover more greener driving tips in our Greener motoring guide.

Use your bike for greener travel

Travelling by bike or walking where you can has great health benefits as well as being a greener travel choice, and there’s financial help available for people who want to cycle to work.

Budding cyclists can find national cycling network routes using the network map on sustainable transport organisation Sustrans’ website. The network covers over 10,000 miles of walking and cycle routes on quiet and traffic-free paths roads and paths.

The government’s Cycle to Work scheme enables employees of participating companies to save 40-50% of the cost of a bike and accessories by acquiring them tax free through their employer.

Ask at work for more information or visit the Department for Transport website.

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