While cars offer convenience and mobility, these benefits come at a high price to our environment and to our quality of life.
Across south-east Scotland, the population is projected to increase by 10% – over 150,000 people in 15 years. Road traffic (total vehicle kilometres) in the area has increased by around 20% in the last decade and is projected to increase by another 16% by 2015. Time lost to congestion is projected to increase by 54% by 2015.
Falkirk Council, together with SEStran (South East Scotland Transport Partnership), is working with our partners to invest in public transport, walking and cycling facilities so that we can all choose healthy, safe and convenient alternatives to the car trips wherever possible, helping to reduce the environmental and social burden of traffic growth.
However, we recognise that for some journeys there will be no convenient or viable alternative to using the car. This booklet provides some useful tips on how to reduce the financial and environmental costs of running your car when leaving it at home isn't possible.
Be an eco-driver!
We all like to think we're good drivers, but did you know that a few little changes to the way you drive could reduce your annual fuel costs by up to 10%?
Eco-driving has been promoted in the UK through some awareness campaigning (Act on CO2), and it is a compulsory element in the theory aspect of the driving test.
Once you've mastered the changes in the Guide to eco-driving booklet (PDF, 212KB)|, not only will you start to make real savings, but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment, as you will be driving your car more efficiently. This means your car will produce less CO2 – the main gas contributing to climate change.