Individuals and organisations can make a difference to the levels of air pollution within the city. As traffic is the biggest source of air pollution in Edinburgh carefully consideration of how we travel can have a real impact on the pollution that we generate.

The easiest way to reduce pollution is to drive less. However if you have to drive there are things you can do to reduce pollution and save money at the same time.

Tips to Drive Down Pollution

These tips could save you around 30% in fuel costs (the equivalent of 25p on every litre of fuel you use).

• Don’t over-rev the engine - particularly when starting your vehicle.

• Drive smoothly – accelerate smoothly, brake gently.

• Slow down – if you drive faster you use more fuel and are more likely to have an accident. Keep to the speed limits. 50 mph uses 25% less fuel than 70 mph. 70 mph 60% less than 90 mph.
• Use higher gears as soon as traffic conditions allow.
• Switch off the engine when idling especially when parked. It is illegal to leave an engine running unnecessarily while a vehicle is parked.
• Cold starts - a car warms up faster when it is moving - drive off as soon as possible after starting.
• Use air-conditioning sparingly it can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Wind down the window or use the air vents instead!

Look after your vehicle

• Keep an eye on how much fuel you use - less miles per gallon usually means a problem.
• Regular servicing keep the engine at its most efficient.
• Check your tyre pressure. Under –inflated tyres will increase your fuel bills.

• Minimise drag. Remove roof racks if you’re not using them and close windows.
• Travel light - check the boot regularly.

Buying a car

• Smaller more fuel-efficient models save money on fuel, tax and insurance.
• Cars with a catalytic converter produce 10% of the pollution of cars without. They are generally fitted to all petrol cars K registration and newer.
• Fuel economy of similar sized cars can vary by as much as 45%. The Vehicle Certification Agency provides free information on the car efficiency. Tel 0117 951 5151 / www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk.

Alternative fuels

• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), electric and hybrid vehicles all have lower emissions than conventional fuels.
• Converting a petrol car to LPG could save you more than £500 per on fuel depending on mileage.

Think before you drive

• Do I really need to make this journey?
• Could I combine several trips rather than making lots of short trips or share a car? Journeys of less than 2 miles when the engine is cold pollute up to 60% more per mile than when the engine is hot.
• Could I walk, cycle or take the bus instead of taking the car?

For further information

Contact Air Quality
airquality@edinburgh.gov.uk
tel: 0131 469 3578
Sustainable Development Unit, The City of Edinburgh Council, Corporate Services, 12 St Giles Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PT

Public transport – Traveline Scotland 0870 6082608