Uk bus, taxi and truck drivers are all going to be expected to drive in a greener way soon. Techniques for driving green, and possibly eco classes for taxi drivers are part of a plan to make those who drive for a living more eco-conscious while working.

 By incorporating such practices as reducing acceleration, revving their engines less, turning cars off at long intersections or while stationary in traffic, and reducing sharp braking,  drivers can significantly reduce the amount of fuel they use, according to the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

However, these new practices are not being implemented without controversy. The bus and taxi drivers are afraid that all this extra start and stopping will place more stress on their motors and their cars, thus reducing their life span.

“In an average day, a taxi would be restarting its engine about four or five times,” Bob Oddy, the general secretary for the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said. “But if you start doing that at traffic lights and every time you pick up or drop off a passenger, the wear and tear on the engine will be huge. The cost of replacing starter motors and other parts could reduce the efficiency completely.”

Stay tuned to see how successful these plans are, how aggresively they are implemented and whether or not the 1.2 million qualified bus and truck drivers and 140,000 licensed taxi drivers adhere to the new rules.

via telegraph

image via slowtrav