Transport

FACT Avoiding 10 miles of driving every week reduces CO2 emissions by 500 lbs per year.
FACT Sharing a car for 2 days per week reduces CO2 emissions by 1590 lbs per year.
FACT Motors left running use up to 40% of the fuel needed to run it normally.
FACT Driver training can improve fuel economy by up to 30%.
FACT Well maintained vehicles can use 20% less fuel than poorly maintained ones.
FACT LPG is more than 50% cheaper than petrol or diesel with no effect on performance.

Transport and Travel

Logistics

By considering how we use our vehicles we can deliver a more cost effective method of carrying out our core business. This applies to our own cars (for those of us claiming car users allowance) and also for fleet vehicles.

Route/Diary Planning

Have you considered carrying out all the business you will need that month in one specific area of Shetland and making it “westside day” or equivalent?

Are you sure you have all the necessary information for the trip?

Repeated trips to complete the same job are a waste of time, energy and money. Do you know what you need to take with you and have you checked you have it all with you?

Take advantage of e commerce

Can you email, telephone conference or video conference instead of going in person?

Deliveries

Can you use fewer but larger vehicles to deliver items outwith the centre, combined with optimised diary and procurement planning.

Car Sharing

Do you car share? Would you be interested in setting up such a scheme for each area? Let us know - contact Waste Services (tel: 01595 744800, email waste@shetland.gov.uk)

Vehicle type

Are you operating a vehicle suitable for the work or route? A four wheel drive is not needed for most work. Clearly identify the real task requirement and choose the vehicle to suit. Think function, not fashion.

Where you use one of the family cars for work purposes, are you using the smallest most fuel efficient vehicle and leaving the large one at home!

Can you cycle or walk instead?

Short journey car usage can be avoided by cycling or walking.

Can you use public transport instead?

Whilst this might be difficult in Shetland do you automatically use the airport bus and local buses for south transport to meetings? See local timetables for more information.

Vehicle Servicing

Do you regularly service your vehicle to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum emissions? It saves money and the environment in the long run. Do all drivers know their personal maintenance responsibility for the vehicle they use? Better vehicle maintenance translates into savings at the pump.

Leaving motors running

Do not leave motors idling. This costs money.

Are you using the right vehicle for the run?

Selecting the right vehicle for the job is fundamental to efficient and cost effective operations.

Do you monitor vehicle accidents, repair costs and fuel card usage in your service?

Such monitoring can highlight problem areas and remedial action through training can be taken.

South travel

If it is necessary to attend meetings south do you only send one representative who then feeds back the needed information to colleagues on his/her return? A number of people attending the same meeting is not necessary except in extreme cases.

Fuel

Different fuel types have different running costs and environmental benefits. Diesel, petrol, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), duel fuel, electric and hybrid vehicles all yield different results.

• LPG is more than 50% cheaper than petrol or diesel, with no effect on performance
• Vehicle excise duty is based on emissions so road tax on vehicles using cleaner fuel is lower
• Most vehicles converted to LPG are bi-fuel so they can be switched between fuels while driving
• 4x4 vehicles are very fuel intensive and may not be needed for the job!

Can your existing vehicles be converted?

Check if your existing vehicle – particularly if it does a high mileage – can be converted to cleaner and cheaper fuel.

When buying new, consider the cost of fuel in the purchasing costs

This will only rise so the more fuel efficient the better.

Is the absence of local pumps/fuelling points a problem?

Let us know if this is stopping you from converting. Contact Waste Services (tel: 01595 744800, email waste@shetland.gov.uk)

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