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Operators can make average fuel savings of 3.5% by reducing engine idling on their fleets, with only simple adjustments in driver style required, according to case studies compiled by Freight Best Practice (FBP). The case studies focus on four firms -Leggett's Transport, Allied Bakeries, Ralph Coleman International and Lloyd Fraser Group -which implemented a reduced engine-idling programme, monitoring the subsequent results as part of the DfT-funded FBP scheme.

Rob Summers, driver instructor at Suffolk firm Leggett's Transport, monitored 63 artics over a month-long test andfound that fuel consumption improved by 1.2%. He says: "Reducing engine idling is one of the simplest ways to cut fuel consumption, it requires no loss of productivity and therefore makes logical sense.

"However, to make sure that the message is understood, it has to be a management-led campaign you have to implement a culture throughout the organisation that focuses on economy, otherwise drivers won't be so aware of the importance of it." Summers adds that constant monitoring to maintain results is required, otherwise standards can slip over time.

His comments are echoed by Lee Jeery, logistics manager at Warwickshire operatorRalph Coleman International, which improved its average from 9.22mpg to 9.40mpg. He says: "For best results you need to constantly monitor the situation and keep pressing home the message of turning off the engine when the vehicle is not in use. This is especially important if you have a high driver turnover, as new recruits will need to adopt this specific approach when driving."

The document sets out four stages in an anti-idling campaign within an organisation (see box), and explainsthe benefits of reducing idling.

Run your own trial

Plan your campaign - set up a fuel-monitoring system, arrange a trial period and record data. Brief your drivers - inform them of procedures and gain feedback (use FBP presentation from Transport Operators Pack available on website).

Run the campaign - collect data for two weeks after training, analyse before and after results to determine improvements. Communicate the results - once the monitoring period is complete, present results to your drivers, monitor progress and undertake regular driver briefings.