There's a real skill to frugal driving, which is just as absorbing as going pedal to the metal. And it has a cash benefit. Photograph: Martin Godwin

I just heard on the radio that in some US states speeders are being made to pay a $12 fuel surcharge to cover the extra cost of being chased by a patrol car. But based on my experience on the M1 the other day this is a measure that shouldn't be needed in the UK. People just aren't speeding like they used to.

As a motoring journalist, I pay attention to such things. And I noticed for the first time in more than 20 years that the majority of drivers were obeying the speed limit. The tailgaters doing 80mph in the outside lane appeared to have disappeared overnight and, even at 70mph, I was passing car after car.

Strangely, it was a more enjoyable, relaxing experience and I doubt that my overall journey time was increased by more than a few minutes over the 200-mile trip. Watching my trip computer record fuel consumption close to 50mpg only added to the thrill, as I had just spent £80 filling up with diesel.

Now, don't get the wrong idea here, I am an enthusiastic driver. I'm a petrolhead who loves nothing better than pushing a car to its limits, but this fuel crisis has created a whole new challenge.

There's a real skill to frugal driving. Gentle use of the throttle, choosing higher gears and avoiding harsh braking, while maintaining good progress is just as absorbing as going pedal to the metal. And it has a cash benefit.

So until I can get hold of an electrified Tesla or a Trifuel Lotus Exige I'll concentrate on getting the most miles out of each and every litre. After all it worked for Audi at Le Mans.

Off the racetrack there are a few simple things that you can do to increase your mpg, from helping your car to be more aerodynamic by removing roofracks and keeping windows closed, to keeping your tyres correctly inflated. Switching off the air conditioning will cut down your fuel costs, but even turning off the radio or satnav will have an effect as it puts less strain on the battery.

BMW's heavily advertised Efficient Dynamics are based around adding up all these minor savings and throwing in a bit of technology to stop your engine at traffic lights (you could, of course, just do this yourself).

My friend's grandad turns off his car's engine and coasts down hills to save fuel (but then his classic car doesn't have power steering and brakes).

What have you done to eke a few more miles out of your tank?