Fuel-saving road surfaces are being developed by UK scientists to reduce carbon emissions and cut millions of pounds from the cost of motoring according to a report in The Scotsman.
Smoother road surfaces are being developed to reduce the ’rolling resistance’ caused by tyres on the road and are predicted to save every motorist 1% on their annual fuel bill. This is possibly an insignificant amount per motorist, but when these savings are considered for the whole of the motoring public it is obvious that there will be significant environmental and financial benefits.
The Transport Research Laboratory are currently investigating the effects of different road surfaces on fuel efficiency and it is estimated that road-related factors, such as rolling resistance could account for up to 15% of a vehicles fuel consumption. Further research is needed and the finished surface is expected to be ready for use in approximately five years time.
We often talk about changing peoples habits, behaviours and cars to save money and the environment. The road itself is often forgotten and if the trials of this new surface are successful we could have a very good additional way to save both money and the planet.
(Source: The Scotsman 30th July 2007)
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August 2, 2007 at 12:50 pm
jasper
Thank you for this article, it certainly caught my interest and made me think – hence this comment!
Creating roads with lower rolling resistance will certainly help with reducing fuel emissions. Lower rolling resistance will also have an impact on stopping distances and road handling of vehicles, especially larger vans and lorries.
A quick search found a study on the internet regarding the impact of reducing rolling resistance of tyres: http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/climatechange/subgroups1/vehicle_technology/study2/Final_report/Final_Report.htm (it was quite difficult to find information on the subject covered in this entry)
The matter of Environment over Road Safety should be considered before we proceed with new technologies such as this.