Smarter driving could save British companies £3.34bn a year

Those are the findings of research just published by vehicle technology firm, Lysanda. The Department of Transport's Van Best Practice programme, launched in November, estimated an overall improvement in fuel efficiency of five per cent on the UK’s commercial road fleet, saving around £250 million a year and reducing carbon emissions by three quarters of a million tonnes. Lysanda's own analysis of the market, however, estimates companies can realistically target much larger savings.

There are 4.45 million commercial vehicles on UK roads. Lysanda's research estimates each vehicle runs an average 18,000 miles per annum, using 750 gallons at £5 per gallon, putting annual fuel costs per vehicle at £3,750 per year. It says companies could cut fuel consumption by 20 per cent – or £750 per year – by ensuring best use of vehicles and that every individual component, from gear box to engine, is being handled in the most efficient manner by the driver.

“Better fleet monitoring offers an easy win for many British businesses," said Lysanda chief executive Alex Willard. "Massive savings can be made by using available technology to assist companies in reducing fuel and other vehicle costs. £3.34 billion is a massive potential saving, especially when you consider it does not involve cutting jobs or closing factories.”

Lysanda operates the 'Eco-Log' software, which helps reduce vehicle fleet running costs by providing accurate data on fuel consumption and wastage. Its 'in-vehicle' driver aid and management reporting tools, meanwhile, help improve driving behaviour, says the company.