Couple to drive round the world on 50 tankfuls

LONDON - A British couple set off yesterday for a round-the-world road trip with the aim of setting the world record for fuel efficiency in a car.

John and Helen Taylor set off in a standard Volkswagen Golf for a journey of 28,970 km through 25 countries, using what they hope will be less than 50 tankfuls of petrol.

The Guinness Book of World Records will monitor the journey, they told BBC radio.

"We have an independent witness coming with us to observe us. What a gig that is. I'd love to have his job," John Taylor said.

They will be met along the way by a tanker bringing them specially formulated fuel, and will use driving techniques designed to maximise efficiency.

But their first challenge will morning traffic from the centre of the British capital.

"The hardest part of the trip is actually getting out of London," Taylor said.

- REUTERS