For drivers working at Bath & North East Somerset Council, an innovative driver training programme will result in estimated savings of almost £70,000 a year.
Some 262 drivers have taken the intensive course which focuses on driving more efficiently by, for example, using the correct gear for the road conditions, avoiding heavy breaking, and using advanced observation to limit fuel consumption amongst.
Every year, Council drivers cover more than 1.8 million miles providing services such as community Dial-a-Ride, meals on wheels, and inspecting local highways. Even small improvements in the efficiency of their driving can result in major financial savings, and fewer vehicle emissions that are harmful to the environment.
Staff who have been through the training are using at least 10% less fuel meaning the training scheme is set to deliver savings of £69,000 a year. To ensure that they continue to use the techniques they were taught during the training, Each driver who went through the scheme is now being monitored .The courses were delivered in partnership with driver training company Somax, which is based near Bristol. The cost of the training is met by savings achieved in nine months. The members of staff trained by Somax then go on to train their colleagues in the Council.
"This training has really delivered on the things that matter: reducing our impact on the environment and saving taxpayer's money at the same time. It's a great example of how the Council can work in a smarter way to improve its performance to both tackle the causes and effects of climate change and providing value for money for the local taxpayer," said Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council.