Independent van drivers and fleet operators across the UK could save over £500 a year simply by adopting more efficient driving habits, according to new data from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. Alongside the financial savings, these small behavioural changes can also help reduce carbon emissions and improve public perceptions of van drivers.
The findings, based on feedback from 4,500 participants who took part in IAM RoadSmart’s ‘Driving for Work’ training, reveal that a single van driver could cut fuel costs by approximately £539 annually. Additionally, more careful driving could lead to a further £144 saving on tyre replacement due to reduced wear. Perhaps most strikingly, those following eco-driving principles could lower their carbon emissions by around 0.69 tonnes each year – a reduction equivalent to the emissions produced by driving the full length of Britain’s coastline.
Eco-driving refers to a collection of driving techniques that prioritise fuel efficiency and mechanical sympathy. These include gentle acceleration, smooth gear changes, maintaining steady speeds and braking gradually. Not only does this approach help protect the vehicle and cut operating costs, but it also contributes to safer roads and a calmer, less stressful driving experience.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Driving aggressively is one of the most pointless things someone can do.
It’s dangerous, stresses out the person doing it, angers other road users, costs you more money and will not get you where you want to be any more quickly.
In a nutshell, you are burning money, creating more emissions and risking a crash for absolutely no benefit.
The data from our Driving for Work course shows that those companies not taking fleet training seriously are essentially pouring money down the drain by letting negative driver behaviours go unaddressed.”
IAM RoadSmart’s research suggests that businesses failing to offer proper driver training are missing out on significant savings. Allowing bad habits to persist among fleet drivers is, in effect, throwing money away. Furthermore, the charity highlighted that poor driving habits contribute to the widespread perception that van drivers, especially those in unbranded or plain white vehicles, are among the most aggressive road users. In a survey of over 2,000 motorists, nearly half believed van drivers were the most likely to tailgate, ignore road signs, or park inconsiderately.
With work-related journeys accounting for nearly a third of road fatalities in the UK, IAM RoadSmart is calling on both sole traders and larger fleet operators to take driver training more seriously. The charity estimates that company drivers collectively incur around 1.3 million penalties each year, costing businesses nearly £100 million in fines and charges.
By investing in eco-driving training, operators can not only cut running costs but also help counter negative stereotypes surrounding van drivers. Safer, more considerate driving can lead to a more professional image, reduced environmental impact and fewer accidents.