All New British Motorists To Be Required To Pass Green-Driving Tests

Beginning this September, all new drivers in Britain will have to pass practical green-driving tests as part of a government push to improve fuel efficiency for cars by 60 percent over the next decade.

The British government also announced Tuesday that it would soon begin educating motorists on "eco-driving techniques," saving fuel by driving more smoothly rather than accelerating quickly and braking sharply.

Ministers have also pledged to implement a "fuel-efficiency tire program." This will involve new "resistance standards" for tires and "onboard tire pressure monitors" in a further attempt to improve fuel efficiency.

Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption of cars by up to 3 percent.

Other measures for cutting emissions will include new standards for electrical items to reduce energy use when they are on "standby" and attempts to increase home insulation.

Also Tuesday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, speaking at the G8 Summit in Japan, said he wants all new cars sold in Britain by 2020 to be electric or hybrid vehicles producing less than 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. The worst gas-guzzlers currently produce five times that amount.

Motoring organizations hit back by accusing Brown of being narrow-minded in suggesting everyone should drive electric or hybrid cars, as many new diesel cars are actually more fuel-efficient than hybrids when driven on longer journeys.

Brown made it clear that he believes the shift to electric vehicles is essential in tackling climate change, and he is prepared to impose yet more tax on gasoline- and diesel-powered cars to persuade people to give them up.

Nigel Humphries, of the Association of British Drivers, said Brown was "talking nonsense" as electric and hybrid cars "are only any use in cities, where the government doesn't want us to use cars anyway."

Scott Doggett, Contributor

Posted by

Scott Doggett July 9, 2008, 8:11 AM

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Diesel, Emissions, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Legislation, Plug-ins and Electric