Rail Firm First TransPennine Express (FTPE) issued an order to all drivers to "coast" down hills with the trains engines off in order to save money on fuel.  This comes after rail chiefs discovered they can save millions in expensive diesel by freewheeling down slopes. The 51-strong fleet of Class 185 locos use the steep gradients on the route between Manchester Piccadilly and Leeds to coast along, saving an incredible two million litres of fuel every year.

The "Hypermiling" train drivers will be encouraged to drive efficiently with a competition for the most energy-efficient drivers, who are rewarded with a 'best fuel usage of the week' award.

"Coasting" with the engine switched off is the most fuel efficient way of driving. In the Hypermiling community this advanced technique is known as "Forced Auto Stop" (FAS) and has been discouraged due to it impairing brake and steering performance.

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