Kolkata, Jan 21 (IANS): Upgraded automobile engine technology, cleaner fuel and increased public transport are just not enough to ensure pollution-free environment, said an expert, pitching for spreading the concept of smart driving or eco-driving among drivers for efficient energy use.

Eco-driving or ecological driving translates to minimum fuel consumption by controlling a vehicle in traffic in specific ways. For example, rolling up windows while driving at high speed, strategic use of the accelerator pedal and braking smoothly can cut emissions and reduce pollution.

Petroleum Conservation Research Association director P.K. Raychaudhuri said the method could save fuel by upto 25 percent.

"These are simple to implement and easy to learn. Training drives for commercial drivers especially in metropolitan cities are a solution," he said during a conference organised jointly by TERI and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) here.