Fleets taking efficient driving courses in 2022 with Red Driver Risk Management have seen on average more than three times the savings that Rishi Sunak is likely to announce today with his 5ppl fuel duty cut.

Seb Goldin, CEO of Red DRM, highlighted that thanks to the firm’s Fuelsave training, drivers have reduced consumption on average by 11.3% – equivalent to nearly 20p off the current price of diesel

Seb Goldin, CEO of Red DRM, highlighted that thanks to the firm’s Fuelsave training, drivers have reduced consumption on average by 11.3% – equivalent to nearly 20p off the current price of diesel – and in some cases by up to 33%.

It’s clear evidence of the benefits of adopting a proactive stance on fuel management and driver training, rather than relying on government action.

“We welcome the Chancellor’s cut, as every penny helps the ‘cost of working’ crisis many businesses are experiencing,” sasid Goldin. “But with better training fleets can take more proactive steps and take cost reduction strategies out of the hands of politicians.”

Analysis by Red DRM found that after its Fuelsave course, based on a standard white van doing 30,000 miles per annum, the average financial saving (11.3%) equates to an annual saving per vehicle of £884 or, at the higher 33% figure, £2,584, based on diesel at 170p per litre.

There are other benefits though – drivers have reported that the new driving style they are taught on the course is also more relaxing, and they make progress more efficiently, resulting in journey times decreasing by 3.6%.

Based on a 40-hour driving week, this equates to 75 hours saved per year, per driver, or a saving of 1.5 hours each week.

Meanwhile the CO2 reduction based on the above scenario is 1,548.40 kg of CO2 per vehicle per year for a diesel vehicle, or 1,412.47 kg for a petrol one.

“For some time, it seems that low fuel prices, the assumption that new vehicle technology takes care of efficient driving, and the move to electrification, makes fuel-efficient driving skills less of a priority, but as the recent price hikes have shown, you can never take your eye off the ball,” added Goldin.

“The combination of the cut in fuel duty, plus our Fuelsave driving course, can give fleets a huge operational and financial advantage. While this will help businesses battle high fuel prices which are likely to continue throughout the rest of this year, the training they receive has a positive on-going effect, no matter what happens.”

Golding also pointed out that while fuel duty may be reduced today, it’s likely to rise in the next decade as the Government looks at alternative ways to bring in tax revenue.

“Coupled with reduced demand at the pump as drivers switch to electric – and therefore higher prices as oil companies look to retain profit margins – the days of low diesel and petrol prices may well be over. That may not be a problem for drivers in electric cars, but for fleets which rely on diesel vans and trucks, it could be a significant financial burden. In this case, Fuelsave training can help mitigate against these cost rises.”