45% 'slowing down to save money'

Jan 7 2013

Almost half of Scottish motorists are slowing down to save money on fuel, according to new research.

The study, from the Energy Saving Trust Scotland, shows that 45% of Scottish drivers have eased off the accelerator in order to save money.

About two-thirds of these drivers have reduced their average motorway speed by 10mph or more.

This could be costing the country's economy millions of pounds a year, Department for Transport researchers say.

The YouGov survey, of more than 1,000 adults, found that drivers in Lothian are most likely to have slowed down, with 52% saying they have reduced speed to save money.

Glaswegian drivers are the least likely to have slowed down, with 62% saying that they drive on the motorway at the same, or an even higher, speed.

The study also found that 49% of male motorists are driving slower compared to just 41% of female drivers in Scotland.

Harry Mayers, head of new services at the Energy Saving Trust, said: "It comes as no surprise to hear that drivers are slowing down to reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel - the faster you go, the more fuel you use.

"There are other ways to save too, however. Fuel efficient driving tips like anticipating road conditions and driving smoothly, shifting to a higher gear as soon as possible and switching off air conditioning all have their part to play - and they don't necessarily slow you down."