Product Overview

Summary: This Fuel Consumption and EcoDriving Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for safer, more efficient driving across your fleet or workplace vehicles. It helps Australian businesses cut fuel costs, reduce emissions, and improve driver safety by embedding consistent eco-driving behaviours and vehicle management practices.

Fuel use and driver behaviour have a direct impact on both operating costs and road safety. This Fuel Consumption and EcoDriving Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, evidence-based approach to how vehicles are driven, planned, and maintained in order to minimise fuel burn, reduce emissions, and lower the risk of on-road incidents. It translates eco-driving principles into clear, step-by-step instructions that can be applied consistently by drivers across light vehicles, utes, vans, trucks and plant operating on public roads or within sites.

Developed for the Australian regulatory environment, this SOP supports WHS obligations relating to fatigue, journey management and vehicle safety, while also aligning with sustainability and ESG objectives. It addresses common issues such as harsh acceleration and braking, speeding, poor route planning, unnecessary idling and inadequate pre-start checks. By implementing this procedure, businesses gain greater control over fleet performance, improve driver professionalism, and demonstrate due diligence in managing the risks associated with work-related driving and fuel use.

Key Benefits

• Reduce fuel consumption and operating costs through standardised eco-driving practices.
• Improve driver safety by discouraging harsh acceleration, speeding and aggressive driving behaviours.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS duties for work-related driving and vehicle use.
• Lower your organisation’s carbon footprint and support sustainability and ESG reporting.
• Enhance fleet reliability by integrating pre-start checks and proactive maintenance triggers into daily driving routines.

Who is this for?

• Fleet Managers
• Logistics and Transport Managers
• Operations Managers
• WHS Managers
• Company Drivers
• Field Service Technicians
• Delivery Drivers
• Site Supervisors
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Mining and Resources Transport Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Motor vehicle accidents caused by speeding, harsh braking and aggressive driving
• Driver fatigue related to poor journey planning and unrealistic schedules
• Mechanical failures due to inadequate pre-start checks and poor driving technique
• Increased crash risk from distracted or inefficient driving practices
• Environmental and health impacts from excessive exhaust emissions and idling
• Heat stress and fatigue from extended idling and poorly managed cabin environments

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (EcoDriving, Work-Related Driving, Idling, Telematics)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Managers, Supervisors, Drivers)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Company Policies
• 5.0 Vehicle Selection and Fuel Efficiency Considerations
• 6.0 Pre-Start Checks and Vehicle Readiness
• 7.0 Journey Planning and Route Optimisation
• 8.0 EcoDriving Principles and Techniques
• 9.0 On-Road Driving Requirements (Speed Management, Following Distance, Use of Cruise Control)
• 10.0 Idling, Warm-Up and Shut-Down Procedures
• 11.0 Use of Telematics, GPS and In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems
• 12.0 Fatigue Management and Rest Break Requirements
• 13.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control for Work-Related Driving
• 14.0 Incident, Near Miss and Fuel Anomaly Reporting
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Driver Induction Requirements
• 16.0 Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Monitoring and Performance Review
• 18.0 Continuous Improvement and Review of this SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Work-related Driving guidance material
• NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) – Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (where applicable)
• AS/NZS ISO 39001: Road traffic safety (RTS) management systems
• AS/NZS ISO 14001: Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use