So far this year, CAA Niagara's fuel bill for its fleet of 32 vehicles has soared by 30 per cent, or more than $90,000, said Bill Willard, vice-president of automotive services for CAA Niagara. The club spends an average of $300,000 to keep its roadside assistance vehicles on the go.

The increase has the auto club closely looking at fuel efficiencies. For instance, in cases in which motorists have locked their keys in their car or need a boost or a new battery installed, CAA Niagara will send a more fuel efficient vehicle instead of a heavy duty tow truck or flat bed truck, said Willard.

"One key initiative is ensuring we're using the most fuel efficient vehicle to service a member call," he said.

The not-for-profit auto club said it is also reviewing its fleet structure to increase fuel efficiency, to look at more light service vehicles and increase the number of 'on-the-go' service calls in which members' vehicles are fixed or made roadworthy on the roadside rather than being towed to a service station.

CAA Niagara has increased the number of those calls by more than four per cent in the past year, through initiatives such as its mobile battery service.

The auto club is also planning to cut down on idling of its vehicles, said Willard.