AN EXTRA £1.2million is being allocated to train van drivers in greener, safer driving techniques.

The Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers (SAFED) scheme aims to encourage driving techniques that save fuel, thereby cutting costs and CO2 emissions. Since its launch, the Department for Transport has invested nearly £2.2million in the scheme.

So far, the popular training programme has trained nearly 7,800 drivers and those who completed the training found they achieved an average 16 per cent improvement in miles per gallon, giving a potential annual fuel saving of £3.3m and CO2 emissions reduction of 9,350 tonnes, equivalent to an average of £425 for each van driver and a reduction for CO2 emissions of around 1.2 tonnes.

The one-day training course, involving a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition, teaches drivers how techniques such as better use of gears and brakes (avoiding over-revving and unnecessary gear changes), keeping correct braking distances (not braking hard) and better road awareness (seeing junctions in good time) can improve both fuel efficiency and safety.

"White van man is turning green," said Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport.

"By learning safe, fuel-efficient driving techniques, van drivers are playing a vital role in cutting CO2 emissions.

"They’re helping tackle climate change, saving money and improving safety without impacting on customer delivery times."

The new money will part-fund training for new instructors, new assessors and up to 6,500 drivers over the next three years.