Energy-efficient driving could save you around £250 a year

Energy-efficient driving should become a mandatory part of the driving test in order to cut transport emissions and save motorists' money, according to the CBI.

Launching a new report, Tackling Climate Change closer to home, and an accompanying interactive website, the UK's leading business group makes a series of recommendations to pave the way for the development of low-carbon cars and homes.

Among the proposals in the report, the CBI says that requiring learners to demonstrate they can drive smoothly and adopt more energy efficient motoring techniques as a mandatory part of the driving test would help cut carbon emissions and result in fuel savings of 5-10%. That equates to a saving of between £200 and £250 a year.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Director of Business Environment, said: "More than a quarter of the UK's greenhouse gases come from personal transport, half of which are from cars. Making small changes to the way we all drive will reduce carbon emissions and could save motorists up to £250 a year.

"Simply changing gears more smoothly to avoid sharp breaking and acceleration can reduce fuel consumption by a third. Learner drivers already have to demonstrate they can drive in a fuel-efficient way during the course of their driving test, but this is not a pass or fail element.

"Making energy-efficient driving techniques a mandatory part of the test will make a significant contribution to changing the next generation of motorists' behavior, and to cutting transport emissions."

Among the CBI's recommendations for the Government to ensure it is on track to deliver low-carbon cars and homes are:

Agreeing long-term limits for reducing passenger car emissions.

Using the revenue raised from the purchase of carbon-intensive cars to incentivise consumers wishing to buy low-carbon vehicles.

Speeding up plans for the roll out of smart meters to allow consumers to monitor and manage their energy use.

Introducing council tax rebates for householders who improve their energy efficiency.

Encouraging more firms to support staff to insulate their homes by making changes to the current tax regime.

Extending the boiler scrappage scheme to domestic white goods, such as fridges and washing machines.

Dr Bentley added: "The Government needs to take action now to incentivise consumers to make energy efficient choices and ensure it provides the right framework to spur on businesses to develop exciting new products and services."

The CBI's new interactive website for consumers can be found at mycarbonsavings.org.uk. As well as showcasing the low-carbon cars and homes of the future, it provides information about the range of energy-efficient goods and services available.