UK drivers risk £1,000 fine while changing gears for believing commonly shared myth

A commonly shared myth could lead to drivers being fined £1,000 while changing their gears.

A number of motorists believe that by driving in neutral they can save money on their petrol bills as it uses less fuel.

Under the Highway Code coasting can be deemed as not being in control of the car.
Steve Parsons

But the commonly told myth is not true and can cause damage to vehicles and result in a hefty fine.

Under the Highway Code coasting can be deemed as not being in control of the car.

Rule 122 says: “Coasting, a term describing a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down., can reduce driver control."

They say that it can reduce driver control because: Normal engine braking is usually eliminated, the vehicle speed will increase quickly downhill, an increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness and coasting can affect the steering response.

Drivers could also find themselves disqualified.
Rui Vieira

Drivers can also find themselves disqualified from driving is they are out of control of the car.

Chief Executive of LeaseLoco John Wilmot told the Daily Echo: “When we drive downhill in gear our engine ECU detects that the accelerator isn’t engaged and cuts fuel from going into the fuel injectors.

"We use no fuel or very little when driving downhill in gear. However, when we drive downhill in neutral our engine and wheels become disconnected.

"This forces a small amount of fuel to be sent to the engine due to the car not receiving the rotational power it needs from the wheels, instead of drawing that power directly from the wheels."