Green driving tips can save money

Driving in higher gears can save about £5 per tank of fuel, according to a veteran driving instructor who has given some tips about greener driving.

This is London said that by adopting the tips, London drivers could save 73 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of fuel per year - a big saving considering the persistent worries over the pollution emitted by cars in the capital.

Driving instructor Robert Daines told the website that ensuring tyres were inflated to the correct pressure and getting rid of excess clutter from the car boot would save money, as well as avoiding making lots of small journeys.

Mr Daines also said: "If you drive in higher gears, you can save £5 per tank. Drivers should try to change gear between 2,000 and 2,500 revs per minute. Listen to the engine, if it does not complain then you're OK."

He added that drivers could save on fuel consumption by correctly reading the road ahead so that they would not have to suddenly brake or accelerate.

London drivers are encouraged to take on board the tips after the government signalled its intent to give favourable tax treatment to motorists who are heeding the green message.