TRICKS OF THE TRADE IN A CHEAP COMMODITY THAT IS COSTING YOU A FORTUNE

This article discusses the subtle but important differences between reducing fuel bills and improving vehicle fuel economy, and refutes some widespread misconceptions. Diesel fuel in the UK now costs more than ever before, due to an increased fuel tax, now 52p per litre, but it is cheaper than at any time in the last decade. The new tax should give commercial vehicle operators an additional incentive to focus on fuel efficiency. M Coyle of the University of Huddersfield has begun a research project on optimising lorry fleet fuel economy. About 50% of the companies do not yet have effective fuel management or fuel monitoring programmes. Companies with quite sophisticated fuel monitoring software do not necessarily act on its results, because of other pressures on managers' time. Coyle is working with eight fleets from various industry sectors to test 'interventions', including synthetic oils, fuel additives, tyres with low rolling resistance, and in-cab driver-information devices, all of which are claimed to improve fuel efficiency. Coyle's approach adds 'scientific rigour' by calling for accurate measurements of fuel consumption, to ensure that extraneous factors are eliminated from efficiency assessments. Coyle has devised a self-financing driver-bonus scheme to encourage fuel-efficient driving.