THE Energy Saving Trust’s Transport Energy division has produced tips for safer, greener and stress-free driving:

1) Drive defensively - avoiding harsh acceleration and heavy braking wherever possible. Remember that pulling away too fast uses up 60 per cent more fuel.

2. Concentrate - look ahead, anticipate road conditions and the actions of others. You’ll be less likely to have an accident and will reduce fuel consumption.

3. Use the gearbox efficiently - changing gear between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm can reduce fuel consumption by 15 per cent.

4. Drive off quickly when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

5. Don’t pump the accelerator or rev the engine unnecessarily - this simply wastes fuel.

6. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel while catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

7. Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - driving at 70mph uses up 30 per cent more fuel than at 50mph.

8. Plan your journeys - to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost.

9. Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres wear out more quickly and can increase fuel consumption by up to three per cent.

10. If you’re stuck in a jam, switch off - turning off the engine after two minutes will save fuel and cut all emissions.