Could one less car journey make a bigger difference than you think?
One less car journey: An article by Steve Buckley, Sales Manager, Fleetmaxx Solutions Burnley
When it comes to reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions, making one less car journey each week could have a bigger impact than many people realise.
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we work alongside our partners at Esso to help businesses and motorists find practical ways to improve fuel efficiency and support greener driving. While changing vehicles or fuel types can help, sometimes the simplest solution starts with making one less car journey whenever possible.
Recent research shared by Esso found that one in two drivers have already taken steps to reduce how much they use their car in order to save fuel. Another survey revealed that at least one in three drivers are considering replacing certain car journeys with walking, cycling or public transport.
Why one less car journey matters
For many people, driving is essential. Businesses rely on vans, HGVs and company cars every day, while many households depend on vehicles for commuting, shopping and family responsibilities.
However, many shorter journeys could potentially be avoided or combined. According to the National Travel Survey, around 50% of car journeys in the UK are under five miles, while approximately 25% are under two miles.
Choosing to make one less car journey each week, particularly for shorter trips, could help:
- Reduce fuel consumption
- Lower emissions
- Save money on fuel
- Reduce vehicle wear and tear
- Ease congestion on local roads
Small changes repeated consistently can quickly add up over time.
Share journeys and save fuel
One practical way to reduce unnecessary driving is through lift sharing. Esso has partnered with Liftshare, the UK’s largest car sharing community, to encourage more drivers to share journeys where practical.
Sharing a commute with just one other person can significantly reduce fuel usage per passenger while also lowering overall travel costs. According to Liftshare, members save an average of more than £1,000 per year through shared travel.
For businesses, encouraging car sharing between colleagues can also support sustainability goals while helping reduce parking pressures and congestion.
Swap short drives for walking or cycling
Another simple way to make one less car journey is by replacing shorter trips with walking or cycling where possible.
Many people are surprised how manageable shorter local journeys become once they start leaving the car at home occasionally. A quick trip to the shops, school or local café may only take a few extra minutes on foot or by bike, while also helping reduce fuel usage and emissions.
Beyond the fuel savings, walking and cycling can also improve wellbeing, reduce stress and make daily routines feel more enjoyable.
More ways to take one less car journey
Shorter journeys
Where possible, try swapping shorter car journeys, such as the school run or quick local trips, for walking or cycling. Even leaving the car at home once a week can help save fuel, reduce emissions and add a few easy health benefits into your daily routine.
Shop locally
Swapping some supermarket car journeys for a walk to your local shops can benefit both you and your community. You could reduce fuel usage, support local businesses and enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce at the same time.
Combining trips
If you need to make several short journeys, try planning them into one efficient route rather than multiple separate trips. Using a journey planner can help reduce unnecessary mileage, save fuel and make better use of your time.
Fill up for less – use an Esso fuel card
One of the major advantages of our Esso fuel cards is that drivers can collect Esso Nectar points every time they fill up.
Those points can then be redeemed with a wide range of well-known retailers, including Argos, eBay, Caffè Nero and many more. It is a simple way to add extra value to everyday fuel spending while rewarding both businesses and drivers.
We have outlined the main features and benefits of our range of Esso fuel cards to help you find the best option for your business.
If you would like advice or support choosing the right fuel card, the friendly team at Fleetmaxx Solutions is always here to help. Call us today on 01367 704 910.
Esso Maxx
Guaranteed 1p savings on petrol at all Esso pumps, along with savings of up to 10p per litre on Esso diesel. The ideal fuel card for businesses of all sizes that have mixed fleets consisting of of HGVs, LGVs, LCVS, Vans & Cars.
Esso Fleet
Competitive pump prices for diesel and petrol at all Esso forecourts. Esso Fleet Card is also accepted at BP and Shell pumps. This fuel card is the perfect choice for a sole trader or a larger fleet with LGV, LCV, Vans and cars.
Every small change helps…….
Even one less car journey
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we understand that reducing car usage completely is simply not realistic for many businesses and drivers. But greener driving does not always require dramatic lifestyle changes.
Sometimes, making one less car journey, combining errands into a single trip or sharing a commute can still make a meaningful difference over time.
Alongside smarter route planning, fuel-efficient driving habits and the use of advanced fuel technologies from partners like Esso, these smaller changes can all help businesses and motorists reduce costs while supporting more sustainable driving habits for the future.
More helpful information from our friends at Esso
Helping fleets fill up with less impact
Fuel efficient driving
For many motorists and businesses, reducing car usage is simply not realistic. From daily commutes and customer visits to deliveries and family responsibilities, vehicles remain an essential part of everyday life. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to improve fuel efficiency, helping you cut running costs while also lowering emissions.
Fuel economy is affected by far more than just fuel prices. Vehicle maintenance, journey planning, traffic conditions and driving habits can all have a significant impact on how much fuel your vehicle consumes.
Often, it is the smaller changes that make the biggest difference over time. Smoother driving, properly inflated tyres and avoiding unnecessary mileage can all help your fuel go further.
To help you improve your fuel efficiency and support greener driving, we have teamed up with our friends at Esso to share some practical fuel-saving tips and advice.
Driving fuel saving tips
Looking to make your fuel go further? With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, managing fuel costs remains a major concern for both motorists and businesses across the UK.
While most people cannot simply stop driving, there are plenty of practical ways to improve fuel economy and reduce unnecessary fuel usage. Small changes in driving style, vehicle maintenance and journey planning can all help lower running costs and improve efficiency over time.
Working alongside our friends at Esso, we have pulled together some simple, real-world fuel saving tips to help you drive smarter, reduce fuel consumption and get the very best value from every fill-up.
What are Esso Synergy fuels?
Not all fuels are the same. Esso has developed its Synergy fuel range using innovative additive technology designed to help engines perform at their best while supporting improved fuel efficiency.
Every litre of Synergy petrol and diesel is formulated to help clean and protect vital engine components, helping vehicles run more smoothly and efficiently over time.
In testing carried out on everyday vehicles, Esso Synergy diesel and petrol improved fuel economy by an average of 1.8%.* While that may sound small, across a busy fleet or high annual mileage, those savings can quickly add up, helping businesses reduce fuel costs and cut unnecessary trips to the pump.
For fleet operators, transport managers and everyday motorists alike, improved fuel efficiency means better value from every tank and lower overall running costs
A guide to Esso Supreme Fuels
Selecting the right fuel is about far more than simply filling up. For businesses operating commercial vehicles, company cars or specialist engines, fuel quality can play an important role in vehicle performance, fuel efficiency and ongoing maintenance costs.
The Esso Synergy Supreme+ fuel range is engineered to deliver more than standard forecourt fuels, helping to clean and protect critical engine components while supporting smoother and more efficient vehicle operation.
For customers using the Esso Card™ through Fleetmaxx Solutions, Esso Synergy Supreme+ fuels are widely available across the UK, giving drivers convenient access to premium fuel technology designed to help vehicles perform at their best.
Esso Ethos+™ 25% renewable diesel
What was once used to cook your fish and chips could now help keep your vehicles moving. Esso Ethos+™ 25% Renewable Diesel contains premium hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), produced using independently verified used cooking oil that complies with Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation standards.
By blending 25% renewable content with Esso’s advanced Synergy additive technology, Esso has created a high-quality diesel fuel designed to deliver the performance drivers expect, while also helping to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel.
For businesses looking to take practical steps towards greener driving and lower emissions, it offers a simple way to begin making a difference using existing diesel vehicles and infrastructure.
