Climate change and environmental issues are high on the Government agenda hence motorists driving polluting ''gas guzzlers'' are facing the threat of further increases in car tax in the not too distant future. With this in mind, leading ethical financial services provider Co-operative Insurance (CIS), has put together it''s top ten tips for greener driving.

David Newman, Director of Marketing at Co-operative Insurance, said: " CIS has found that more and more motorists are aware of the effect their car is having on the environment and want to do something about it. We have stepped up to the mark and have introduced the UK''s first Eco motor insurance policy, now it''s up to you!

"While improvements in automotive technology are helping to clear the air, by following just one of these driving tips from CIS you can do your bit to protect the environment and even save some money."

1. Watch your speed

You can improve your fuel economy by about 25% and lower the emissions of your car simply by reducing your speed by 10 mph.

2. Don''t be idle

Turn off the engine if you expect a lengthy wait, and park up and go inside instead of using the DriveThru. This will save you fuel, reduce your emissions and increase the efficiency of your catalytic converter.

3. Smooth operator

Sharp acceleration and sudden braking use more fuel. By accelerating and decelerating gradually, you can improve your fuel efficiency by around 30%.

4. Go easy on the air con...

Air conditioning in cars increases emissions and decreases fuel economy by as much as one and half kilometres for every two litres. Turn off the air conditioning as soon as your car has cooled to a comfortable temperature or better still, use your air vents.

5. Maintain your car

A well-maintained car can use less fuel than one that is badly maintained. For every 6pounds per square inch that a tyre is under-inflated, fuel consumption can rise by 1%.

6. Consolidate your trips

Whenever feasible, share a lift to work, or carpool and use the most fuel-efficient car possible. A trip with three stops is much more economical than three separate trips.

7. Easy on the gas

Avoid overfilling the tank when re-fuelling as spilled fuel evaporates and releases harmful emissions.

8. Watch your weight

Reduce weight, and fuel consumption, by simply removing unnecessary items from your car that do not need to be there for a particular journey. These can include prams, golf clubs, tools and heavy footwear.

9. Don''t get lost

Make sure you know where you''re going. Motorists waste 350,000 tonnes of fuel per year getting lost! Search the web for a route planner or alternatively you can invest in a simple satellite navigation system - this will enable you to not only find your way, but to also bypass congested routes.

10. Most importantly - get Eco Insurance

Get a quote for Eco Insurance from CIS. This is the UK''s first car insurance policy to help offset some of the damage your car''s CO2 emissions cause to the environment and at no extra cost to you.

www.ecoinsurance.co.uk