If you spend a lot of time on the road then making some simple changes to the way you drive could save you money. Not only that, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment as well. What’s in it for you?By becoming a ‘green’ van driver you’ll benefit from:

• Reduced fuel consumption and costs
• A van in better condition – which means savings on van maintenance
• The knowledge that by reducing your CO2 emissions you’re making the environment a better place to live

How to do itSo, how do you actually go about making the changes which will save you money and protect the environment? We’ve put together some tips to set you off in the right direction.Gears. Make sure you’re driving in the correct gear. By doing so you’ll save on fuel.Relax. If you drive while stressed out you’re likely to drive more erratically and use more fuel.Excess weight. Only drive with what you need on board. Carrying excess weight uses lots of fuel.Engine off. If you’re going to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes then switch your engine off.Numbers game. Try and group jobs together to avoid making unnecessary journeys.Van maintenance. Keeping your van in good condition, especially making sure the engine is tuned will not only improve your van’s performance but keep fuel consumption down.Air conditioning off or used sparingly. Air con may keep you cool but it eats fuel.Nose to nose. Where possible avoid the rush hour and congested areas. Consider delaying your journey or starting out earlier to avoid busy times.Drag. Keep your windows up where possible. Driving with the windows down increases drag and that means more fuel is used.Revving. Avoid revving the engine while you’re waiting at traffic lights as it uses fuel unnecessarily and damages the engine.Inflation. Make sure your tyre pressures are as they should be. If they’re out you could be using 3% more fuel than necessary.Va va Voom. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking. By becoming a smooth driver you’ll reduce your fuel consumption.Electrics. Only use what you need as electrical devices guzzle fuel.Reduce your speed. The faster you go, the more fuel you use. So, apart from sticking to speed limits, keep your speed down. By driving at 50 mph rather than 70 mph you could be using up to 30% less fuel.By incorporating these simple tips into your daily van driving routine should see reductions in your fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Why not see how much you could save on your van insurance too?Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for doing the right thing for the environment too.Get top tips for Green van driving in the UK and cheap van insurance quotes with Direct Line.  

 

Celebrity Cruises is celebrating a great summer of sun with their unmissable sale with incredible pricing offers on European and Mediterranean itineraries.  The promotion offers consumers to an opportunity to squeeze in one more cruise before the end of the year. 

As part of the promotion, Celebrity Cruises is offering a range of its price busting cruises such as departing from Barcelona on a 7 night Mediterranean cruise/fly on Celebrity Constellation from only £699 per person, joining Celebrity Eclipse in Southampton for a 14-night Mediterranean cruise from £1,319 per person, an 11-night Caribbean fly/cruise on Celebrity Equinox from £1,279 per person. 

Guests can take advantage of the price busting cruise offers on the three ships of the much lauded Solstice Class, which includes Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and the recently launched Celebrity Eclipse, as well as the renowned and loved Celebrity Constellation.  Guests will enjoy Celebrity’s signature extraordinary service and award-winning cuisine, as well as the hip, stylish public rooms; larger staterooms inspired by a panel of five women and the first dedicated glassblowing studio at sea, presented in partnership with the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass. 

The ships also offer discerning cruisers the opportunity to enjoy “The Lawn Club,” the first lawn of real, growing grass, where guests can practice their golf putting, play croquet and bocce, or simply feel cool grass beneath their feet while miles out at sea; the first Celebrity iLounge, equipped with MacBook Pros; AquaClass, a category of staterooms inspired by the spa lifestyle; five specialty restaurants; and Team Earth. 

Simply make a booking any day in July 2010 for a holiday before the end of 2010 onboard one of Celebrity Cruises ships sailing in Europe and the Mediterranean and take advantage of these incredible offers.  For more information and to book call 0845 456 0523, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or talk to your travel agent.  

The Celebrity Cruises Unmissable Sale begins on 1 July 2010 and runs every day throughout July 2010.  

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programmes, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity Cruises sails in Alaska, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity Cruises also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity Cruises’ mega-series of honours include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity Cruises’ fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its USD $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest newbuild commitment for a single brand in industry history. 

For more information on Mediterranean cruises see www.celebritycruises.co.uk, call 0845 456 0523 or talk to a travel agent.

Churchill Insurance is proud to support the Poppy Appeal by donating £1 from every policy purchased, to the Poppy Appeal, up to £10,000, from 2nd - 8th November 2009.   

Marketing activity will support the campaign.  The website and TV adverts will be updated in the poppy theme – with ‘Churchill’ proudly wearing his poppy.

Peter Deane, head of Churchill marketing, comments, “The annual Poppy Appeal is The Royal British Legion’s major fund raising campaign and Churchill’s tradition and heritage makes it an ideal brand to partner with such a worthy cause.

“The British Legion’s aim this year is to raise £32 million so they can continue to help the thousands of Serving and ex-Serving people and their families with financial, social and emotional help.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Claire Foster                   
Churchill Insurance Press Office
Tel: 020 8285 8682
Mob: 07900 217 264
Email: claire.foster@rbs.co.uk

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering award-winning car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK1 and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com

Churchill Insurance Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: Churchill Court, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1DP. Registered in England and Wales no.2258947. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk/

1Based on 2008 FSA returns (policies in force).