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LERS launches guide to help road operators save fuel costs and reduce emissions

FTA’s Logistics Emission Reduction Scheme (LERS) has launched a free guide to help all road operators, from owner-operators upwards, to reduce their use of diesel. The guide, available on LERS’ website, provides readers with advice taken from industry leading companies on how to save money and lower emissions by reducing fuel use in their diesels fleets.

Rebecca Kite, Environment Policy Manager at FTA, the business organisation which administers the scheme, comments: “The average emissions from LERS members are close to 13% lower per vehicle km than the industry average. For the most part, operators have achieved this reduction by using their existing diesel fleets more efficiently, rather than adopting alternatively powered vehicles.

“At FTA, we recognise that not every business is able to transition to alternatively-fuelled vehicles; that is why we have identified from this research six quick wins to reduce fuel use. From reducing empty running and aerodynamics to route optimisation and telematics, there are steps operators of all fleet sizes and budget considerations can take; these techniques also have the potential to dramatically cut fuel bills. Different strategies will be more effective for different types of operations; this guide offers advice on where and when these options are appropriate.

“As the trade organisation representing the entire logistics sector, funded by its members, FTA is in a unique position to advise hauliers on the best steps to take. FTA’s goal is to help all parts of the logistics industry save costs and reduce its environmental footprint, avoiding the future need for government intervention in our sector.”

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

LERS is a free-to-join scheme which helps members record, reduce and report emissions. For more information, or to join the scheme, please visit lers.org.uk