Drive more efficiently and cut your carbon emissions
PEOPLE in Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to drive more efficiently and cut their carbon emissions in a bid to tackle climate change.
Carmarthenshire Council’s road safety team argues that eco driving not only improves road safety, but also reduces fuel use and emissions.
The council has recently launched a Prosiect Zero Sir Gar campaign to raise awareness about what it is doing to tackle climate change and its efforts to become a net carbon zero authority.
The council was one of the first local authorities to declare a climate emergency and was the first local authority in Wales to publish a net zero carbon action plan.
Encouraging people to drive more eco-friendly is just one of the many ways it hopes to help the fight against climate change.
Driving more eco-efficient vehicles, including electric or hybrid vehicles is the best way to cut emissions, however drivers of other vehicles can also make a difference.
The council’s road safety team say drivers can cut their carbon footprint by planning their journeys to minimise mileage and taking simple actions like applying the parking brake and switching the engine off if the vehicle is stationary for more than a couple of minutes.
The council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Hazel Evans, said sustainable travel also plays a big part in tackling climate change.
She said: “The first thing that you should consider is if you could reduce the number of journeys you make in your car - could you walk, cycle or take public transport instead, for example?
“If this is not possible and you need to use your vehicle then please bear in mind that small changes can make a huge difference to our carbon footprint and we all need to play our part.”
The council’s road safety team has outlined some tips for safe ecodriving. These include planning journeys to avoid road works, congestion or getting lost.
Regular tyre checks should also be carried out to ensure correct pressures and any roof boxes or racks can be removed when not needed to reduce air resistance when travelling.
Drivers are reminded to not use boot space for permanent storage, therefore reducing the vehicle’s weight.
Keeping a safe distance from the car in front will help drivers plan ahead, while also staying within speed limits.
When driving, accelerating and braking should be done gently and when conditions allow, use the highest gear possible without making the engine struggle.
Other steps include using air conditioning sparingly and, when starting the engine, don’t keep it idling to heat up the engine - this wastes fuel and should not be necessary if driving off gently and smoothly.
Another point made by the road safety team is to scrape ice in the winter rather than leave your car idling to warm up, and that many vehicles have stop/start technology - drivers should make sure features are turned on to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.