What is SAFED?

SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) is a driver development course that aims to help businesses and organisations reduce fuel and maintenance costs, reduce CO2 emissions and improve safety through the enhancement of driving techniques.

The SAFED Programmes have been a great success across a number of sectors since its launch in 2003. The SAFED brand is now recognised as a quality driver development course as a result of the commitment and quality of its approved trainer network.

Only courses delivered by SAFED approved trainers registered with the AEA 'SAFED' trainer network can use the SAFED brand, which is a registered trademark of the DfT and can only be used with their permission

SAFED for Vans

The SAFED for Vans programme is currently being incorporated into the Van Best Practice programme. The content on this page is currently being developed.

SAFED for Vans was launched in 2006 with the aim of demonstrating the benefits of driver training into van fleet operations, following the successful demonstration of SAFED for the HGV sector. Following a successful initial demonstration phase, the Department for Transport provided further support for the uptake of SAFED for Vans for another three years, which ended on the 31st March 2010. As of the 31st March 2010, there is no longer funding to support the cost of training however, the training is available on a commercial basis from the established trainer network. The network of training providers can be located by following the link here.

Since 2006 over 13,000 van drivers have received SAFED training. The programme has shown that on the day of training, drivers can save as much as 10% on MPG, which, when delivered as part of a range of measures to monitor and reduce fuel use, is more likely to be sustained over the longer term. And at today's fuel prices that can amount to a significant financial saving.

The SAFED Training Programme Benefits:

Numerous benefits exist for both companies and individual drivers as follows:-

Pilot studies demonstrate a fuel saving of between 9 & 10%

Reduced fuel costs

Reduced impact on the environment due to reduced emissions

Reduced down time due to road conflict

Reduced insurance premiums

Reduced journey times, wear & tear and driver stress & fatigue levels

Ease of transition from training to application of driving techniques