FORS publishes winter driving and fuel management guides

The winter guide for HGV drivers (click first link below) covers the safety precautions drivers should take to ensure they are prepared for bad weather, highlighting the additional challenges that winter driving brings.

As well as vehicle preparation, it includes tips on how to drive in snow and ice, heavy rain, strong winds, flooded areas and fog, and offers advice on which equipment to carry and a reminder to carry suitable clothing.

The fuel management guide (also linked below) seeks to help FORS members fulfil their commitment to monitoring fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

It aims to help operators to meet FORS Standard version 5 Bronze requirement ‘O2 Fuel, emissions and air quality’. The advice covers fuel purchasing, telematics, using AdBlue and correct storage of fuel at a depot. The importance of driver training and driver feedback is also emphasised, along with correct tyre management.

Sonia Hayward, FORS operations manager, says: “Measuring and understanding fuel use is key to getting to grips with how costs could be minimised. Members must appoint a fuel champion to help implement their fuel management plan, and in addition, we encourage them to share this guide with drivers, who play a vital role in any fuel reduction initiative.”