Funded SAFED training still available

There are still part-funded places available on the Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) scheme. The scheme was originally launched in 2006 and has proved immensely popular with over 7,500 drivers having been trained to date. This, along with excellent overall results in achieving safer & greener driving, led to the DfT committing a further £1.2 million in September 2007, to train more van drivers.

There are over 2.5 million registered vans in the UK all with at least one driver. Using an average annual mileage figure of 24,067, clocked up by the participants of the scheme in 2006, the full potential if all van drivers adopted SAFED for Vans could be:
• total annual cost savings £1,064 million
• total annual savings of 3 million tonnes of CO2

In 2006 Safed for Vans was found to unlock savings to business of up to £500 per driver and reduce fuel consumption by up to 16%. This was achieved simply by providing drivers with the additional driving techniques that promote fuel efficiency and prolong the life of the vehicle therefore reducing the need for repair and replacement. The scheme also confirmed that on average safe and fuel-efficient driving didn't increase journey time.

SAFED for Vans is a one-day off-the-job training course, which involves a mix of classroom and on the road tuition with each driver that passes being awarded a Certificate of Achievement. By undertaking the training, drivers can also help reduce their risk of accidents and gain a better understanding of the thought processes involved in reading the traffic and road conditions ahead while driving smoothly, safely and economically.

Fleet managers and van drivers interested in finding out how SAFED for Vans could benefit their business should visit www.safed.org.uk and navigate to the "find a trainer" page or call 0870 190 8440

SAFED
Tel: 0870 190 8440
www.safed.org.uk