A NEW initiative aimed at slashing fleet van fuel bills by as much as 15.3% has been launched by Texaco and IAM Fleet, the commercial division of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Fuel economy, driving skills and fuel efficient lubricants will be at the centre of STAR Drivers, launched last week by the firm.

In tests before the official launch of the programme, fleets were recording savings of thousands of pounds in fuel bills, with savings of 8% easily achievable through adapting driving techniques. STAR Drivers was piloted with the South Wales-based company John Pearce last year, with fuel savings ranging from 6.4% to 15.3%.

The firm runs a mixed fleet of 51 vehicles, ranging from one tonne vans to articulated trucks, with a total of 60 drivers and a workforce of 70. John Pearce, the company's chairman, said: 'We were astonished with the savings we were making after just a few days of training. I am now considering the role a driver assessor could play in my fleet to maintain these economies.'

STAR Drivers is open to existing or new Texaco lubricants customers, with the fuel company and IAM Fleet working with customers to decide on the best programme of training for each firm.