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SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) Training Programme a
Success in Scotland

Year 1 Results

Funded by the Scottish Executive from the Scottish Road Haulage Modernisation Fund, the SAFED programme in Scotland has produced excellent results since its launch in 2005. Participant drivers have:

Consequently, the industry has saved up to £2,096,895 and 2,329,883 litres of fuel. The environment has also benefited from a reduction of up to 6,000 tonnes of CO₂ and 1,689 tonnes of Carbon.

Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:

“One of our key priorities is getting more freight off our roads and onto rail. However, this won’t happen overnight, and sometimes isn’t practical for shorter journeys. Therefore, this scheme targets those drivers who do use our road network, cutting down on the damage caused to the environment, whilst also benefiting the industry.”

1000 Scots Drive ‘The SAFED Way'

Over 1,000 Scottish drivers have completed the SAFED driver training course.

Michael Ford of REACT transport, Edinburgh, was awarded the 1000 certificate.

David Peters, Training Manager at REACT, said ‘We feel that SAFED is an important part of LGV driver development. We plan to train all of our drivers using SAFED techniques as part of our in-house development programme’.

REACT Transport is achieving an average MPG improvement of 11.64%, which translates into an average saving of £2,218 per driver/per year. *When all 35 REACT Transport drivers have completed SAFED training, the company could potentially save £77,630 on fuel per annum.

*This figure is based on REACT Transport’s average annual mileage of 65,000 per driver with diesel costing 90p/litre

SAFED event

The ‘Continue to drive the SAFED way’ event was held at Ibrox football stadium on Thursday the 21 st September. The event marked the launch of the commercial phase of SAFED.

45 SAFED instructors attended the event that was chaired by RHA Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Phil Flanders.

Awards were presented to Thomas McClusky of GTG Training Group for delivering SAFED training to the most drivers. Jim McEwen, CTTS, for the best customer service and Scott Meikle, J.W Filshill Ltd, for achieving the most improved MPG of drivers trained.

There are 62 SAFED approved instructors operating throughout Scotland. Instructor details are available on the website www.safed.org.uk or via the Helpline 0870 190 5289

SAFED Scotland
Glengarnock Technology Centre
Caledonian Road
Lochshore Business Park
Glengarnock
KA14 3DD

Tel: 0870 190 6354
Fax: 0870 190 5151
Email: Scotland@safed.org.uk

- ENDS -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
JENNY FORBES KEBELL AT MOMENTA
0870 190 5289 OR jenny.forbes-kebell@aeat.co.uk

FOR TRANSPORT MINISTER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
MARK HANNON 0131 244 2614 OR 07870218112

NOTES TO EDITOR

The Scottish Road Haulage Modernisation Fund (SRHMF) was established in 2003 to help improve the efficiency of the road haulage sector and improve its skills base. The SRHMF aims to provide practical assistance and to raise the performance of the entire Road Haulage Industry. It is supported by the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association.

SAFED has been published as a good practice guide (GPG2100) by the Freight Best Practice programme. Free copies can be obtained by visiting the website at: http://www.freightbestpractice.org.uk/pubsub.aspx?SectionID=2

The SAFED driver training programme is managed for the Scottish Executive by Momenta Ltd.

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