Drivers urged to implement 60mph rule as motoring change introduced today

Drivers urged to implement 60mph rule as motoring change introduced today Petrol and diesel are changing, with unleaded petrol averaging 172.0p per litre and diesel climbing to 195.7p per litre. One motoring expert has shared his top driving tips to help save money on fuel, including a 60mph rule Petrol and diesel prices across the UK are soaring dramatically today (September 21), with unleaded petrol hitting an average of 172.0p per litre and diesel reaching 195.7p per litre. Fuel costs have leapt by more than 10p throughout September alone, driving the UK's overall inflation rate up to 3.1%. With this in mind, one motoring expert has disclosed the best driving methods to help slash fuel expenses. Online searches for 'fuel prices near me' have surged by 236% over the past year, while 'how to save money on fuel' queries are up 110% in the last three months. Paul Johnson, Forecourt Manager at Vertu Nissan Widnes, has outlined four straightforward driving techniques to minimise fuel wastage, including a 60mph rule you ought to stick to. 1. Ease off the accelerator early and let the engine do the braking In busy traffic, numerous drivers accelerate towards the vehicle in front and brake harshly when it slows down. This pattern is among the biggest contributors to fuel wastage in heavy conditions. According to government eco-driving guidance, aggressive acceleration and braking can increase fuel consumption by 10–40% in stop-start driving. Modern fuel-injected engines cut the fuel supply entirely when the driver lifts off the accelerator while still in gear. This means the car decelerates on zero fuel. By maintaining a slightly larger gap and predicting traffic conditions ahead, motorists can stay in gear for longer and cut unnecessary braking which will help to conserve fuel. 2. Cruise at 60 mph when the road is clear It can be tempting to drive at the maximum permitted speed whenever the road ahead is clear. However, travelling faster increases aerodynamic drag, forcing the engine to work harder and pushing fuel consumption higher. According to the Climate Change Committee, driving at 70 mph uses around 15% more fuel than cruising at 60 mph. Where conditions permit, keeping a steady 60 mph and engaging cruise control on open, flat stretches can help cut unnecessary fuel usage. The difference in journey time is relatively small, adding around two extra minutes to a 20 mile journey, but the savings in fuel can quickly add up to a large saving. 3. Avoid unnecessary idling School runs and everyday driving frequently involve brief periods of stop-start traffic, particularly outside schools, at junctions, crossings and congested bottlenecks. Keeping the engine running while stationary burns fuel without getting you anywhere. If traffic has ground to a complete halt and you anticipate a wait, switch the engine off when it is safe and appropriate to do so. If your vehicle features automatic stop-start, let the system handle this for you. On regular school runs and daily commutes, avoiding unnecessary idling will lower the amount of fuel consumed over time, while also cutting emissions. The Highway Code (Rule 123) also states that drivers must not leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. 4. Check your tyre pressure No matter what time of year it is, it's always worthwhile checking your tyre pressures as part of your regular car maintenance schedule, but particularly so after a hectic summer of extended journeys and excursions across the country. Improperly inflated tyres boost rolling resistance, which means the engine must work harder and consume more fuel. Inspect all four tyres against the manufacturer's advised pressures, which can typically be located on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or in the owner's manual. If you've recently transported additional passengers or luggage, remember to adjust the pressures back to the manufacturer's recommended setting for normal driving once the vehicle is emptied. Always inspect tyre pressures when the tyres are cold for the most precise reading. While you're checking, examine for any visible damage or abnormal wear and ensure the tread is within the legal limit. What's driving the petrol increase? Geopolitical tensions: Fuel prices have climbed sharply throughout September owing to the conflict in the Middle East. Disrupted shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to oil refineries have driven global Brent crude oil prices beyond $106 a barrel. Retailer margins: Campaign groups like FairFuelUK have highlighted that rising retailer profit margins are worsening the situation for drivers at the pump. The pump outlook: The RAC has cautioned that while crude oil stays above $100 a barrel, fuel prices are almost certain to continue rising. Topping up a typical family petrol car now sets you back around £94, marking a £5 hike since the beginning of the month.