A campaign to get drivers to take easy steps to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions has been launched by the government.
BBC NEWS | UK | Green motoring campaign launched.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, much of the advice is sensible; monitor tyre pressures, drive in a manner that is fuel efficient and so on. This is all good, sound, thrifty advice. I like to make my motorcycle tyres last at least 10,000 miles – which is why I was so resentful at losing one this week to an un-repairable puncture after a mere 2,000 miles or so. I want to get the maximum fuel efficiency from my machine and ride accordingly.
All of this means that I ride (and drive) reading the road well ahead, anticipating hazards before they become hazards. Defensive riding and driving makes the difference between rolling off the throttle a little in response to changing road conditions and having to make a last minute brake application. I try to be gentle and smooth with the controls; saving on fuel, tyres and brakes; not to mention wear and tear on the engine and transmission. This is sound sensible advice. It’s the stuff that goes with it that is so much bollocks:
Transport Minister Gillian Merron said: “Climate change will affect us all, but we can all do our bit to help tackle it.”
Perhaps Ms Merron can explain how my riding efficiently will change sunspot activity…