LPG vehicle total likely will double in Britain

April 1, 2002
The number of vehicles in the United Kingdom running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is expected to double over the next two years to more than 100,000,

The number of vehicles in the United Kingdom running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is expected to double over the next two years to more than 100,000, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

This government department says the market for LPG-powered vehicles is growing due largely to the low level of tax on the fuel and a PowerShift program aimed at promoting use of LPG, natural gas, and electric vehicles that offer air-quality benefits over their gasoline or diesel equivalents.

“There are now over 50,000 LPG vehicles on the road, with this number expected to increase by over 25,000 per year over the next two years, assisted by the government and industry incentives,” said a DTI spokesman.

A typical motorist who uses gasoline and travels 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) a year could save an estimated £400-plus sterling (US $574) on fuel each year by switching to LPG.

Until now the switch to LPG has been hampered by the lack of LPG refuelling stations. This problem is now being addressed by the motor industry, and the UK's 1,000th LPG station was opened in Charlton in south London recently.

Brian Wilson, Energy and Industry minister, announced another initiative to boost the PowerShift program. This will provide £1 million (US $1,436,500) over the next two years to help drive forward the uptake of LPG vehicles.