Sunday, 7 September 2008
LPG - What is it?
LPG or Liquid Petroleum Gas is a by-product of the oil refining process and consists mainly of Propane, often used in heating and cooking.
Currently a number of major motor manufactures are offering a dual fuel (petrol/LPG) option in their model range. These vehicles offer the benefits of LPG with the option to switch to unleaded petrol at the flick of a switch. In some cases it may also be possible to covert existing vehicles with petrol engines to dual fuel operation.
The air that we all breathe
The adverse effects on health of high levels of traffic pollution are of key concern to us all. This is of particular concern to those living and working in urban centres such as Doncaster, who also suffer from respiratory ailments.
LPG can significantly reduce many of the harmful exhaust emissions, produced by the majority of conventional cars and light vans, in some cases by up to 90%. Because of these environmental benefits the government have significantly reduced tax on the fuel.
The cost saving
At present LPG costs as little as 55p per litre, less than half of the cost of unleaded petrol. The government has also recognised the environmental benefits of alternative fuels such as LPG and shown its support by agreeing to freeze the fuel duty compared with petrol and diesel until 2004.
Also the government backed Energy Saving Trust has introduced the Powershift programme to help establish a sustainable market for cleaner fuels. The programme offers grants worth up to 75% of the additional cost of purchasing or converting to cleaner vehicles.
Safety
In terms of Safety LPG vehicles are as safe to drive as conventional petrol and diesel cars or vans. Many of the major motor dealers selling LPG vehicles also have the correct safety equipment required to carry out the few additional service checks. In the unlikely event of the gas supply leaking, it will disperse safely into the atmosphere. The law requires all LPG vehicles to have a dedicated safety valve to ensure this process is as safe as possible.
The only obvious additions to the vehicle are a filler cap, tank and an additional fuel gauge.
Where can I get LPG locally?
In the past the biggest obstacle to drivers wishing to covert to alternative fuels has been access to convenient supply. Recently this has begun to change. There are now over 1,100 LPG outlets throughout the UK.
Recently, the following outlets were known to supply LPG for car and van use:
Please note, Doncaster Council cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the above list.
