Skip to main content

Fuel savings

Police in the US and the UK are being forced to tackle motoring expenses due to rising fuel costs. In various US states, police are being told to turn off engines and air-conditioning when vehicles are at rest and that patrols should open windows and park under trees to stay cool on warm days. In some states, drivers stopped for speeding will also have to pay a fuel surcharge on top of their fine, to cover the cost of the fuel used in their pursuit. Meanwhile in the UK, the Devon and Cornwall police force i
July 19, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Police in the US and the UK are being forced to tackle motoring expenses due to rising fuel costs. In various US states, police are being told to turn off engines and air-conditioning when vehicles are at rest and that patrols should open windows and park under trees to stay cool on warm days. In some states, drivers stopped for speeding will also have to pay a fuel surcharge on top of their fine, to cover the cost of the fuel used in their pursuit. Meanwhile in the UK, the Devon and Cornwall police force is buying 120 bicycles for use by its officers on local patrols, as well as introducing car-sharing for officers attending meetings or non-urgent calls. Devon and Cornwall police force has seen its fuel bill rise some £300,000 to £2.5 million/year due to price hikes.

And in English city Plymouth, road users complaining about fuel prices recently opted for a leisurely pony and trap, instead of driving a car or truck during a go-slow protest drive around the city.

Related Content

  • Armless cycling meets long arm of the law
    November 20, 2014
    German police in the city of Cologne recently stopped a cyclist and fined him on safety grounds, because he was riding one-handed. The one-armed cyclist was understandably less than impressed and pointed out that there is no law in Germany as to having only one arm with which to control a bicycle or indeed a motor vehicle.
  • Wrong time to end right turns?
    March 15, 2024
    Banning right-hand turns after stopping for a red light is gaining momentum in the US. But debate continues about whether it will result in fewer incidents between vehicles and alternative mobility users. David Arminas reports.
  • Getting to the heart of road noise - to eliminate disturbance
    May 20, 2016
    Traffic noise is a widespread nuisance that can impact where and how we choose to live, property prices and our quality of life. Better planning and use of mitigation factors can make a significant difference Traffic is one of the top five sources of nuisance noise – along with industry, construction, sport and leisure and general neighbourhood noise. Road traffic is also one of the most diverse sources of noise. You know where it’s going to come from, but less often what the noise will be as the volu
  • Improving safety for vulnerable road users
    January 2, 2013
    Dutch-style cycle safety for other European nations – Mike Woof writes A recent event held in London during October was aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. Called Love London go Dutch, the event was intended to highlight some of the experience from Holland in reducing risk rates for vulnerable road users such as cyclists. Similar events were held in other UK cities, while other major European cities such as Paris that are seeing an increase in cycling also have a lot to learn from Dutch exp