Transport for London (TfL) and the freight industry have launched a new training course - LoCITY driving - aimed at van and HGV drivers, as well as transport managers, to help them reduce their environmental impact and cut fuel costs.

The programme is designed by TfL and falls under the umbrella of LoCITY, an industry-led initiative aiding the freight and fleet sector in its drive to reduce emissions and encourage the purchase of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs).

The DVSA-approved and Certificate of Professional Competence-accredited training course is delivered as a one-day classroom-based course and complemented by separate e-learning modules.

The areas covered include:

• The relationship between driving style, fuel consumption and environmental impact
• How regular maintenance and vehicle checks can cut costs and emissions – this includes ensuring tyres are fully inflated for maximum fuel efficiency
• Fuel efficient driving techniques, such as avoiding sharp braking and acceleration
• Use of in-vehicle technology to improve fuel economy, which prevents behaviour such as over-revving  
• The benefits of journey planning – taking more efficient routes leads to fewer emissions
• Tackling common myths and misconceptions surrounding ULEVs, including the lack of availability of charging points and the distance vehicles can travel when full of fuel.

Ben Plowden, TfL’s director of surface strategy and planning, said: “If we are to tackle London’s air quality crisis and clean up the air we breathe, there is no silver bullet.  

“Courses like this are a key piece in the jigsaw and give drivers the know-how they need to make a contribution to the considerable effort to dramatically cut pollution in the capital.”

Drivers and operators can book LoCITY Driving courses by emailing enquires@locity.org.uk.