Reducing energy consumption

Sir, – John Hickey reasonably asks for suggestions from readers for reducing energy consumption and related CO2 emissions (Letters, April 6th).

Reduce the speed limits for cars on the motorway to 100km/h, and for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and other high-sided vehicles to 80km/h. It is well known that increased speed equals increased fuel consumption.

Journey time overall would be hardly affected, as much time is lost at slower speeds after leaving the motorway, but fuel consumption, and the cost to one’s pocket, would be reduced by about 20 per cent. Even driving at 5km/h to 10 km/h more slowly on back roads can make a difference.

A climate measure that will actually save a person money and at a cost of zero for the Government to implement. – Yours, etc,

READ SOME MORE

DAVID DORAN,

Bagenalstown,

Co Carlow.