High demand from van operators for SAFED new greener driving scheme

2 February 2006

Van operators drivers are being urged to enrol swiftly after massive interest within hours of SAFED launch.

SAFED, the Department for Transport's (DfT) new Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) scheme, officially launched by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling last week, aims to encourage safer, cleaner and cheaper driving for Britain's van operators and drivers.

The £1.3million scheme will be managed by consultants Momenta on behalf of the Department for Transport. The scheme will train up to 200 approved driving instructors in the principles of assessing SAFED and delivering courses to 3,500 van drivers by the end of June 2007.

The scheme follows a pilot project co-developed, on behalf of the DfT, by Momenta and specialist driver training company, DriveTech (UK). The pilot concluded that through SAFED training a reduction of approximately 10% in fuel consumption and a reduction of 59% in gear changes and other brake and tyre wear could be achieved.

Commenting on the launch of the project Jason Vallint, Momenta's Transport Business Manager, said: "Whilst we were confident that the scheme would always be a success, we have been amazed by the positive response from industry. The telephone has simply not stopped ringing. As places are limited, I must now urge van users, operators and drivers to contact us as soon as possible to register their interest."

Free for qualifying participants, each course will last a full day and involve one instructor and two trainees to engage in both classroom and behind the wheel training sessions. The course will cover theory, safety and practical driving exercises and approved driving instructors will assess driver performance.

Andy Wheeler, Director of Training and Quality at DriveTech (UK), added: "The pilot scheme that we co-developed with Momenta developed tangible and significant savings in fuel consumption and van wear and tear. We're delighted that there has been so much interest in the scheme from the industry and drivers alike.

Editor’s notes

1) Transport Secretary Alistair Darling launches greener driver scheme for vansTransport Secretary Alistair Darling launched the SAFED programme on 25.1.06. For more information, see DfT website for relevant press release www.dft.gov.uk

2) About DriveTech

DriveTech is the UK's leading provider of ‘driving at work’ risk management, driver assessment and driver training solutions.

DriveTech’s goal is to reduce both an organisation’s vehicle business costs and the personal risk for ‘at work’ drivers, by significantly improving driver ABC – attitude, behaviour and competence – therefore supporting driver safety and corporate ‘duty of care’ requirements.

DriveTech (UK) has won the Institute of Transport Management’s ‘Fleet Award for Driver Training’ in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and its 'European Driver Safety Specialist' award in 2005.

DriveTech (UK) can be contacted at enquiries@drivetech.co.uk, telephone 01344 467881 or via its website at www.drivetech.co.uk

For further information contact:
Ashley Martin (telephone 01733 390691) or Arthur Dalziel (0121 445 6633)
AWD Communications Ltd.

 3) About Momenta and SAFED

Momenta is an operating subsidiary of AEA Technology Plc. It is a professional services company providing design and delivery solutions for programmes that implement both government and corporate policies. Based on sector specific technical expertise, we offer a range of Programme Management services that help public sector clients reach businesses, public sector organisations, stakeholders and the general public.

Momenta's Transport business unit was established in 2000 and focuses on implementing behavioural change programmes that support sustainable transport policies by promoting improved ways of travel for both passengers and freight.

The unit originally developed the SAFED concept that was first implemented for large goods vehicles during 2002 and 2005. This programme trained over 6000 drivers who, on average, achieved a reduction of 10% in fuel consumption, an equivalent saving of £10.5m in fuel alone to the industry. Results also included reduced gear changes of nearly 37% all with no average effect on the time of the journey.

• For further information on the SAFED for vans pilot please visit: http://www.safed.org.uk/SAFEDVans/pdfs/SAFED%20Handout.pdf
• For further information on SAFED trucks please visit: http://www.safed.org.uk/Presentations/SAFED_summary%20document.doc
• For further information on Momenta please visit: http://www.momenta.uk.com

For further information on SAFED and press enquiries please contact:Jo Wheeler, Momenta, 329 Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QJ, Direct Dial: 0870 190 2799, email: jo.wheeler@aeat.co.uk