Greener driver scheme SAFED for Vans Launches in Scotland

14 April 2009

The Scottish Government has announced today financial support to introduce the SAFED for Vans driver development programme to van drivers and fleet operators in Scotland.

This programme will support the Scottish Government’s commitment towards its 80% reduction in Carbon by 2050.

Following the success of SAFED for Vans in England, which was launched in 2006, SAFED for Vans in Scotland will be fully funded by the Scottish Government to the first 50 instructors and first 100 drivers across Scotland and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Funded places are limited to 5 per business or organisation.

SAFED is entirely voluntary and focussed on reducing carbon emissions and saving money. The programme enables drivers to improve their fuel efficiency by using gears better, avoiding over-revving the engine and maintaining a better distance from vehicles in front by not dabbing at the brakes, as well as better road awareness. Other benefits for businesses include prolonging the life of the van.

Having already trained 10,000 van drivers and 318 trainers since 2006 in England, SAFED for Vans boasts a 9,000 tonne annual reduction in carbon emissions, on the day mpg improvements of nearly 16% and potential annual fuel savings of £3.315million, which is an average of £425 per van driver per year. All this can be achieved without extending journey times.

It is also expected that improvements in safety as a result of SAFED training will reduce the number of accidents, reduce the stress on drivers and ultimately reduce insurance premiums. Company case studies will be published highlighting the actual benefits to participants in Scotland that result from driver development training.

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The introduction of SAFED for Vans in Scotland aims to create the right market conditions to make the scheme commercially viable and help stimulate economic activity in the region.

Van drivers and instructors interested in the scheme should register their interest with SAFED on 0870 190 6354.

Notes to Editors

  1. SAFED for Vans was originally launched in England in 2006. It followed a successful pilot project that found significant financial and environmental gains could be made by using advanced driving techniques without any noticeable impact on delivery times.
  2. Figures given for mpg and fuel savings are based on pilot scheme in 2006.
  3. The SAFED Scotland for Vans driver training contract has been awarded to AEA
  4. SAFED has been published as a good practice guide (GPG2100) by the Transport Energy Best Practice programme. Free copies can be obtained by calling the Helpline on 0845 602 1425 or by visiting the website at www.transportenergy.org.uk/bestpractice.
  5. Once trained, SAFED instructors will market themselves more widely.
  6. SAFED for Vans case studies in England can be found at: www.safed.org.uk/SAFEDVans/caseStudies.htm
  7. A series of free SAFED case studies and guides have also been published by the DfT funded Freight Best Practice programme: http://www.freightbestpractice.org.uk/pubsub.aspx?SectionID=2

For further information please contact:

Carol Gracie at AEA
Marketing Manager, SAFED Scotland for Vans

email: carol.gracie@aeat.co.uk
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Telephone: 0870 190 5290
Helpline: 0870 190 635