Thursday, 20 May 2010 – Driving news

Motorists caught using a mobile phone while driving are being offered the option of taking a new road safety course rather than a fine and points on their licence.

According to Haverhill Weekly News, Suffolk Constabulary is one of the first forces in the country to launch the new course. Some forces already operate a course option instead of fines or prosecution for other offences, including careless driving and speeding.

The first course for motorists caught using phones while at the wheel – or supervising a learner driver – starts on 20 May.

Drivers have to pay the course fee of £74, plus VAT, to take part. But by successfully completing the course they avoid getting points on their licence and a £60 fixed penalty fine.

Fines of up to £1,000 can be imposed by courts on car drivers using phones. Bus, coach and lorry drivers can be fined up to £2,500.

Motorists in Suffolk have been offered the option of going on the course since 1 April.

The two-and-a-half-hour Call Divert course covers the law on mobile phone use, statistics about accidents and role-play to demonstrate the importance of maintaining attention while driving.

Jim Kirkwood, managing director of AA DriveTech, the company running the courses, said: “By offering ‘mobile phone education’ as part of their broader road safety strategy, Suffolk Constabulary is clearly committed to changing drivers’ attitudes towards using a mobile phone behind the wheel.”

At the same time Suffolk police are introducing a revised Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) as an alternative to prosecution for minor faults such as lights which are not working.

Roads policing officers in the county are also trying to avoid issuing the traditional HO/RT1 form – known as a producer – which requires drivers to show insurance, MoT and licence details at a police station.

Instead, the police are carrying out more instant checks via national databases.

www.cambridge-news.co.uk

What can you do?

Six smarter driving tips.

There are a few easy things you can do when you drive and look after your car to help reduce the amount of fuel you burn and so cut down on CO₂ emissions. The secret is to help reduce the amount of work your engine has to do, because the greater the workload, the more fuel is burned – so the higher the CO₂ emissions. By following our smarter driving tips you could cut your CO₂ emissions by around 8 per cent – equivalent to an annual fuel saving of up to one month per year. All you need to get started are the smarter driving tips below that you can put into practice straight away.

1. Pump up to cut down

Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving. That means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO₂ emissions are produced. Simply check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres. Under inflated tyres increase CO₂ but over inflated tyres can be unsafe, so check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure. Remember, a car with a heavier load may need different air pressure in the tyres

2. Less clutter in your car means less CO2

Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to carry around. By removing it, you could reduce your engine’s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO₂ emissions, so unload any items you won’t need for your journey before you set out.

3. Driving at an appropriate speed reduces CO2

Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstances. Drivers should never exceed the speed limit. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety. It also reduces CO₂ emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using 9 per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more fuel than at 50mph

4. Less stopping and starting means less CO2

Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO₂. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. The traffic may have started moving again by the time you reach the vehicle in front so you can change up a gear and be on your way.

5. Over revving accelerates emissions

Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car, try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol car, change up at 2500rpm.

6. Idling is wasting fuel

When the engine is idling you’re wasting fuel and adding to CO₂ emissions. If you’re likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, simply switch off the engine.

Article taken from actonco2.direct.gov.uk

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