Sometimes driving is essential, but there are several ways to lessen your impact on the environment, while also making considerable savings.
If you need to run a car, consider the following options.
Use a vehicle with a smaller engine
Swapping to a smaller engine when you next upgrade your vehicle will generate fewer harmful emissions and be cheaper for you to fuel, maintain and tax. Residents' Parking Permits are priced according to engine capacity, so the cost of a permit will be cheaper if you have a smaller engine capacity.
You can calculate the tax rate for a vehicle at GOV.UK.
Downsize to one car
You can use our car cost calculator to work out how much you spend on your second car annually, and how much you could save by selling it and relying on one car. When you need to use a second car, could you take a taxi, share a journey or use a car club instead?
Invest in an electric or hybrid car
If you need to use a car, consider buying a new or second-hand electric or hybrid vehicle when it’s time to upgrade.
If you already have an electric vehicle, you can use our website to find your nearest charging point, find out about our emissions based pricing for parking permits, and read how our planning policy sets out how new development will have to contribute to and extend electric and low emission vehicle charging provision.
Adopt an efficient and safe driving style
Driving more efficiently can reduce fuel bills, tail pipe emissions and wear and tear on your vehicle. It also provides a safer environment for people who choose to walk or wheel. The Energy Saving Trust offers tips and resources for adopting an efficient driving style.
Consolidate car trips
Making lots of short trips, (which don’t allow your car’s engine to warm up), is worse for the environment and fuel economy than longer journeys.
To reduce your emissions and save fuel, consider planning ahead and combining your trips into one or two longer journeys each week.
You could also share your car trip with more than one person or join a car club to save on the increasing costs of on-street parking and vehicle maintenance.
Shop more thoughtfully
When shopping online, purchase multiple items in one order, to prevent multiple deliveries and save on shipping costs.
If you have the option, collect your package from a local collection point, to reduce emissions and congestion on your street.
Park & Ride
Using the Park & Ride to commute into work or shop in Bath helps reduce congestion and air pollution, and can save you money on parking charges. Visit our Parking and Travel pages for further information on getting around Bath and North East Somerset.