Emergency crews gather for eco-driving tips

Fuel bills for Yorkshire's emergency services are due to be slashed by millions of pounds as ambulance crews, firefighters and police officers are being taught to improve their skills behind the wheel.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jul 2010, 00:00 BST
Updated 1st Jul 2010, 00:00 BST

Efforts are under way to reduce the amount of fuel which is used by giving lessons about eco-friendly driving techniques to front-line staff across the region. It is hoped that the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, which is spearheading the eco-driving campaign, will alone save up to 500,000 on an annual 5m fuel bill for its fleet of 1,100 vehicles.

It was the first ambulance service in the UK to sign up to a Carbon Trust scheme to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 per cent by 2015.

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An event was organised yesterday at Elvington Airfield, near York, when drivers from the ambulance service as well as the region's fire brigades and police forces were given tips on changing their driving habits to reduce fuel consumption.

Troops from Army bases in York and Catterick Garrison were also at the day-long series of workshops, which stressed the importance of not braking suddenly and accelerating quickly to improve fuel efficiency by up to 25 per cent and provide a smoother ride.

Related topics:Yorkshire Ambulance ServiceYorkshireYork