Tom Macaulay has been approached by a government Think Tank to advise them on ways in which the nation's motorists could each reduce their fuel consumption, regardless of the age, type or motive power of the vehicle. Here are his recommendations.
1. Coasting
Following a lengthy survey, I conclude that there are almost as many downhill roads in this country as uphill. The vast majority of downhill roads are subject to gravity, which may be enlisted to provide momentum in place of fuel. At one time it was considered prudent to 'coast' downhill in neutral in order to increase speed and save on fuel. In those days cars had only drum brakes: with modern disc brakes and ABS, coasting is far less dangerous and could be safely accomplished by drivers of even moderate skill (around 99% of the motoring public). Advisory signs bearing the legend 'Coast' could be erected at suitable points, although to avoid confusion, some alternative may be necessary near the seaside.
2. Slipstreaming
It is common practice among continental drivers to slipstream the vehicle in front. This is considered bad manners in the UK, and has given rise to the term 'tailgating' and consequent rejection of this sound principle. Yet when practised, it can result in significant fuel savings, as the trailing vehicle is able to enjoy the advantages of travelling in a partial vacuum. This is why BMWs have better fuel consumption than Volvos. Slipstreaming also has the advantage of increasing motorway capacity as more cars occupy less space. I propose that the '2-Second' rule be replaced by the '2-mpg' rule, which is roughly the saving made by driving in this manner.
3. Speed limits
If all speed limits were raised by 25%, journeys would be accomplished more quickly. I am no expert, but it seems logical to me that the less time cars spend on the road, the less fuel they use. In event of a few pedants pointing out that wind resistance increases in proportion to the square of the difference in speed, with a consequent fuel-consumption penalty, refer them to Recommendation 2, above.
4. Long journeys
Scotland is one of the most distant destinations available to English motorists, and since no good purpose can be served by visiting the birthplace of the present English government. I propose a ban on all journeys to Scotland that commence further south than Carlisle or Berwick-upon-Tweed. Not only would many millions of gallons of fuel be saved annually, such a ban would have the added advantage of relieving many of our busiest trunk roads of northbound traffic. And since there would be no journeys from which to return, southbound carriageways would also be relieved of heavy traffic flow. In the absence of Scotland as a tourist destination, visitors would soon discover that there are many prettier places in England: Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent, for example.
5. Driving standards
This is perhaps rather far-fetched, but I would recommend that motorists are trained to drive in a more fuel-efficient manner. Reading the road ahead would be a start, coupled with increased awareness and intelligent anticipation. Even being prepared to go rather than stop when approaching open roundabouts would save everyone a few gallons every year. But I realise that advising people to become better drivers is not a vote-catcher, so I guess the government would prefer to rely on expensive technology, and punitive legislation, to achieve what decent drivers have been doing for years. |
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