Motorists urged to 'do more car-sharing'

In support of 'National LiftShare Day' the RAC Foundation claimed people could save up to three quarters of their rising fuel bills by taking or giving a lift and sharing the cost of their journey to work.

It said 25 million people travelled every day to and from a fixed place of work - 71% of which commuted by car. Car sharing had the potential to reduce the financial, environmental and congestion costs associated with many such journeys.

Sheila Rainger, deputy director of the RAC Foundation said: "In light of current high fuel prices, motorists should not overlook the potential benefits of car sharing. National Liftshare day is the perfect opportunity to give it a try."

She added: "Car sharing is unlikely to be the answer for everyone, especially for those living in rural areas, but it is one option available to motorists who are looking for ways to take control of spiralling costs."

The organisers of Liftshare Day said there had been a huge surge in registrations on its website recently as a result of financial worries over fuel prices and some national press coverage. Liftshare.com aims to help people find others travelling the same way as them.

"We have had a stunning response to National Liftshare Day this year," said founder of the network, Ali Clabburn. "Politicians are recognising the importance of car sharing in our transport and environmental solution, while drivers who have been sitting in traffic surrounded by other cars containing just one person are beginning to realise just how expensive, illogical and unsustainable this is."

Slower is greener

Meanwhile, motoring magazine What Car? is telling drivers to slow down in order to save on fuel costs and to do their bit for the environment.

A survey by the magazine showed that 62% of motorists believed that driving between 50mph and 60mph was the most fuel efficient. However, this was not true according to tests carried out by What Car?, which revealed that a slower speed in as high a gear as possible meant more savings.

Steve Fowler, What Car? Group editor, said: "Many motorists happily scout around for the cheapest fuel prices to save 2p per litre – an average of £1.20 per tankful. Yet if motorists driving at 90mph on a motorway slowed to the national speed limit of 70mph, they’d save that much in around eight minutes.

"Lowering your speed, and using a high gear, puts less strain on your engine, makes the journey more relaxing and reduces your carbon dioxide emissions. It's a win-win and it's never been more important."

What Car?’s research was carried out by fuel economy expert Peter de Nayer and included comprehensive testing of five cars - a Toyota Aygo, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Passat, Citroen C4 Picasso and Land Rover Freelander.

Using the wrong gear had the biggest impact on fuel economy. A car cruising at 40mph on rural roads used 20% more fuel in fourth gear compared to sixth. In town motorists were urged to cut fuel bills by pulling away slowly and smoothly, changing up early and anticipating road conditions to maintain a steady speed.

More fuel saving tips are available via the What Car? website - see 'How to Drive Green'.