Kirsty Williams AM Proves she is a Smarter Driver for Energy Saving Week

5.30.00pm GMT Mon 27th Oct 2008

Kirsty recieves her Smarter Driving certificate

Kirsty Williams AM today took up the smarter driving challenge, hosted by the Energy Saving Trust Wales as part of its Energy Saving Week campaign, which runs all this week (20-26 October). By using smarter driving techniques and fuel saving tips, Kirsty Williams AM managed to save 6% on their fuel used when driving a specially designed course near to the Senedd building in Cardiff.

Kirsty Williams AM said:

"When the Energy Saving Trust posed their smarter driving challenge, I was delighted to take them up on it. I was amazed that just by following a few simple tips from their expert adviser, I was able to save 6% in terms of the fuel I consumed, driving the same route.

This years Energy Saving Week campaign, which I am delighted to support, reminds us all of the importance of taking a small amount of time to save energy in our daily lives, whether it is turning appliances off properly rather than leaving them on standby, or walking to the shops instead of driving a short distance. This is not only good for reducing all of our carbon emissions, but good for the pocket too, by saving money at this time of rising prices.

The Energy Saving Trust provides independent, expert advisers to help householders save energy in their homes and cut their fuel bills. I would urge people in Brecon & Radnorshire to take the time to call their local Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to find out how they can save energy and money, or visit the website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk"

Notes to Editors

Attached photograph shows Kirsty Williams AM being presented with their Energy Saving Trust Smarter Driving Challenge Certificate by Helen Northmore, Head of the Energy Saving Trust Wales, at the Senedd in Cardiff.

The Smarter Driving Challenge involved driving 2 circuits of a specially designed course. The first was driven as normal with an expert adviser taking notes. The adviser then gave tips for how the drive could be more efficient (such as smoother braking and acceleration and switching the engine off at traffic lights). The second drive was then done, taking into account the tips given earlier and the difference in fuel consumption between the two trips was measured.

DEFRA funds the Energy Saving Trust to provide consumer energy efficiency, microgeneration and waste reduction advice.