Reducing emissions?

[phykell]

I don't know about you but my car has a trip computer and ever since I bought the car, I've been much more aware about the MPG I'm getting. It even helps me on the motorway when I'm doing 70-odd as you can back off the throttle and still maintain your speed. It also shows how much fule is wasted during strong acceleration. It's definitely changed the way I drive and my pocket (and the environment) is better off for it.

I now believe it would be a positive idea to force car manufacturers to include a trip computer on all cars, and place them in an easily visible position. It would cost only a slight bit more (economies of scale) but I'm sure it would make people change their driving style, slow down and perhaps even save a few lives/injuries and I'm sure it would reduce fuel usage and lower emissions overall.

Wha do you think?

[Flibster]

I take trips computers with an instant consumption feature as a challenge.
Managed to get my mums 1.something litre Punto into single figures last time I drove it.

Unless they ban large engined vehicles and completely enforce the speed limit with no leniency, I can't think of an easy way to reduce emissions.

Other than CVG's being fitted to all cars... but they're expensive and really quite dull.

[AboveTheSalt]

Originally Posted by phykell

...
I now believe it would be a positive idea to force car manufacturers to include a trip computer on all cars, and place them in an easily visible position.
...
What do you think?

Agreed. I would like them to turn red when you are doing too low a MPG and green when you are at or above the claimed MPG.

I believe that there has been research into reading the speed limit from some sort of roadside RFID device and having cars warn you if you are speeding - that would be a nice development as well

[LeperousDust]

Originally Posted by AboveTheSalt

Agreed. I would like them to turn red when you are doing too low a MPG and green when you are at or above the claimed MPG.

I think this would work pretty well with people actually.

Originally Posted by AboveTheSalt

I believe that there has been research into reading the speed limit from some sort of roadside RFID device and having cars warn you if you are speeding - that would be a nice development as well

People know they're speeding another constant reminder won't make any difference they'd soon learn to ignore it.

[Glaucus]

doesn't help me. Got a trip computer and it's averaging 26mpg over the last 8+K . It's book is 45mpg. Dread to think what I would do to a sporty car.

Reducing emmisions from cars is pointless anyway. The percent you save is nothing in the world scene, especially for the uk.

Untill we see a drive for a real switch in teh power grids world wide. And windturbines aren't a viable alternative. Not in their current form anyway.

[Will]

I try and keep my MPG as low as possible most of the time, but sometimes I do try and see if I can keep over 30mpg. In town I'm happy if I get an average of over 22. But it's boring.

[AboveTheSalt]

Originally Posted by LeperousDust

...
People know they're speeding another constant reminder won't make any difference they'd soon learn to ignore it.

Not if you operate the bonnet release

[iCraig]

I'd unashamedly say I don't care what my MPG is. I didn't buy the car I did to pootle along in luxury, it's to drive and have fun and I know that costs me more in the long run and I'm perfectly fine with it.

[Fayshun]

I have no idea (and I don't care) what my mpg is either, my car is a transport solution that's all.

[phykell]

You're all young, that's what your problem is

Me, I just think of Gordon Brown leering at me as I fill up my car, knowing I'm paying 71% of the price I pay at the pump, directly into the Government's coffers. That's right, fuel duty is going up *again* on April 1st, and it's certainly no joke.

"At the height of soaring pump prices Brown made a promise during Prime Minister's Questions on July 16th 2008 not to raise fuel duty for a year.

He stated: 'In recognition of the problem people face with petrol, we are freezing duty on petrol for the full year.'

Brown broke this promise in December 2008 when he added 2 pence per litre to fuel duty to offset the reduction of VAT to 15% - a move which angered UK hauliers who are able to claim fuel VAT back, but not fuel duty.

He is set to break the promise for a second time on April 1st when fuel duty on unleaded and diesel will rise 1.84 pence per litre. Including the additional 15% VAT on top this will make the rise at the pumps around 2 pence per litre.

The Treasury have said that the only time further changes to fuel duty can take place are at the next Budget – which has been postponed from March until April 22nd, after the duty rise comes in."