How can drivers help the environment?

To calculate the carbon footprint for your journey, use the Route Checker on the map on our home page. This shows the carbon emissions for different modes of transport to help you consider alternatives and make greener travel choices.

Poorly maintained cars are less energy efficient so produce more emissions. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape and stay on top of any problems. It’ll be cheaper in the long term, too.

How you drive affects your emissions as well. So try to predict your route to avoid harsh braking or unnecessary acceleration which consume excess fuel.

If your engine is running it is using fuel. Turn off your engine if you're stuck in traffic for more than a few minutes and turn it off when you’re parked. Some cars have an automatic shut-off when they’re idling, but if yours doesn’t, switch it off instead.

Having low tyre pressure is not only dangerous, it also increases your cars fuel consumption. Check your tyres regularly and before you start a long journey.

Roof racks and roof boxes reduce your car's aerodynamics and increase the drag on your car. This means your car needs more energy to power it, thus using more fuel. You should only use them if you need them.

All new cars tend to be more efficient. Electric cars produce zero emissions when in use. If you are in the market for a new car, maybe it’s time to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle.