As environmental awareness grows and fuel prices remain volatile, motorists are being reminded that some of the most effective ways to reduce emissions and running costs.

Buying an EV may be out of the question for many right now, but simply changing the way they drive can make a real practical difference.

Save the money in your pocket and save the planet at the same time.

Foot on the gas

Road safety and driver training experts say eco-driving techniques can reduce fuel consumption by 10% to 15%, lower emissions, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and improve road safety.

The advice comes as World Environment Day shines a spotlight on practical ways individuals can reduce their environmental impact, with the pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, revealing the green driving habits it teaches its pupils, instilling positive habits from a young age, and it may even rub off on their older siblings and even their parents.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, adopting fuel-efficient driving techniques can save the average driver up to 15% on fuel costs.

For a motorist covering 10,000 miles a year, that could equate to savings of several hundred pounds annually, depending on fuel prices.

Young Driver managing director Ian Mulingani believes environmentally conscious driving should form part of every driver’s education.

“Very few young people can afford an electric car and many can’t access reliable public transport, but the vast majority care passionately about the environment,” he said.

“All our lessons therefore teach students how to drive to reduce their emissions and we have switched our fleet to petrol hybrid cars that achieve over 60mpg.”

Setting off early

The organisation, which has delivered more than 1.6 million lessons to children aged four to 17, was recently named Green Driving School of the Year at the Intelligent Instructor Awards 2026.

Among the most effective eco-driving techniques is smoother driving.

Avoiding harsh acceleration and heavy braking allows drivers to maintain momentum and use significantly less fuel.

Research by the RAC and Energy Saving Trust has consistently shown that aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption by up to 30% on motorways and around 40% in stop-start urban traffic.

Speed is another major factor.

Fuel economy generally deteriorates sharply above 50mph, with aerodynamic drag increasing significantly at higher speeds.

Driving at 80mph instead of 70mph can increase fuel consumption by around 10-15%, according to Government-backed efficiency studies.

Maintaining correct tyre pressures is also crucial. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning the engine must work harder.

The Department for Transport estimates properly inflated tyres can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3% while also enhancing safety and extending tyre life.

A light touch

Young Driver also encourages motorists to reduce unnecessary vehicle weight by removing unused items from the boot and taking off roof boxes or bike racks when not needed.

“Your car is not additional storage space,” the organisation advises. “The heavier it is, the more fuel it will burn.”

With houses bulging with ourchases, the hiring of stkorage spaces is booming, but the first excess storgae area is often the car or van, increasing weight, and costing motorists mnore on every joourney.

Other recommendations include planning journeys to avoid congestion, combining shorter trips into one longer journey, limiting engine idling and ensuring vehicles are serviced regularly.

Heat , especially the recent heatwave in the UK, can also add to costs and emissions.

This is not the temparature effect directly, but trying to keep cool.

While some drivers open windows instead of using air conditioning, experts note the situation is more nuanced.

At lower speeds, open windows may reduce fuel use, but on faster roads the increased aerodynamic drag can actually make air conditioning the more efficient option.

Cutting costs

The benefits of eco-driving extend beyond environmental gains and lower fuel bills.

Studies by organisations including IAM RoadSmart have found eco-drivers tend to be safer drivers because smoother acceleration, better anticipation and gentler braking all reduce collision risk.

There are financial advantages too.

Less aggressive driving reduces wear on tyres, brakes, clutches and suspension components, helping motorists avoid expensive repair bills and extending vehicle lifespan.

For electric vehicle drivers, the benefits are equally significant.

Efficient driving can improve battery range by 10-20%, helping reduce charging frequency and making longer journeys more manageable.

Every penny counts

While transport remains one of the UK’s largest sources of carbon emissions, experts say widespread adoption of eco-driving techniques could make a meaningful difference.

Mulingani added: “The environment is not an afterthought, it is a major consideration in all that we do. Small changes in driving behaviour can collectively have a significant impact, benefiting not only the planet but also drivers’ safety and finances.”

As fuel prices remain high, continuing to fluctuate due to global instability, and with environmental concerns continuing to grow, eco-driving may be one of the simplest ways motorists can make both their journeys and their wallets go further, and their travels safer and more comfortable.