EU fuel campaign may have ‘limited impact’, says MEP

Finnish MEP Ari Vatanen has warned that a new initiative to encourage motorists to drive more efficiently may fall at the first hurdle.

Vatanen, a world rally champion in 1981, said, "It’s all very well to educate people in this way but I fear this campaign will have a limited impact because we still need to do something urgently about the road infrastructure in Europe.
 
"Seeking to encourage drivers to drive more efficiently is good but we also need better roads and to do something about the ever-growing volume of traffic on European roads."
 
Over 40 oil companies in Europe have joined forces to run a consumer awareness campaign on the efficient use of transport fuel.
 
The campaign proposes ten tips on how to drive more efficiently and is aimed at helping drivers to save fuel and reduce their carbon footprint.
 
These include keeping a car well serviced, checking tyre pressure regularly and closing windows, especially at higher speeds.
 
Other advice includes driving smoothly, turning off the engine when the car is stationary for more than one minute and using air conditioning only when necessary.
 
Over 45,000 petrol stations in 29 European countries will take part in the 'Save more than fuel' campaign and leaflets on fuel efficiency and responsible driving behaviour will be available at filling stations.
 
The scheme, the brainchild of the European petroleum industry association, was launched by Andris Piebalgs, EU energy commissioner, in Brussels on Tuesday.
 
He said, "The EU has identified energy efficiency as a key policy tool to meet our 2020 climate and energy goals.
 
"Initiatives such as this demonstrate the important role the oil industry can play in raising awareness among drivers about the contribution they can make."

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