Fuel savings
Whilst the Government carries on increasing tax duty on Petrol and Diesel, LPG has had its duty reduced twice during the last two budgets. Owners of fleet cars, taxis and other high mileage vehicles can save thousands of pounds on annual fuel costs by converting their cars to run on LPG
Costs no more for insurance
Many motorists believe that an LPG converted vehicle will be more expensive to insure. However, a survey carried out by the LPG Association (LPGA), essentially showed that this isn’t the case. The top 20 insurance companies all said they insure a LPG converted car so long as the conversion had been carried out by an LPG approved installer. Out of the 20, only two insurers advised they would charge a higher premium.
LPG is safer than diesel or petrol
According to the LPG Association (LPGA), the gas is substantially safer to use than petrol or diesel. This is mainly due to the fact that the fuel is stored in a robust fuel tank, which is tested to rigorous standards. LPG tanks also shut down the gas supply if you have an accident.
It has never been easier to fill up
There are now well over 1,300 LPG stations in the UK. Traditional petrol pumps work much in the same way as LPG pumps and all LPG stations follow pretty much the same way of doing things. Most LPG pumps have clear diagrams to help on your first visit and it’s impossible to put diesel or petrol in your LPG tank by mistake.
LPG is popular all over the world
Travelling in an LPG vehicle can almost halve the cost of travelling in a petrol-powered car. LPG is readily available in Europe, however it is more commonly known as Autogas or GPL.
Autogas also enjoys great popularity in Australia, The Netherlands, Italy, Serbia, Poland, Hong Kong and Korea. The former Soviet republic of Armenia may, however, be the world leader in autogas use.
Reduced maintenance levels
LPG is clean burning, contains no lead or carbon deposits and LPG car owners experience on overall reduction in engine wear and tear. Maintenance costs on spark plugs, pistons, rings and valves are also reduced.
Government grants available
Whilst the Government continues to reduce duty on friendly alternative fuels and offer Congestion Charge exemption they are also offering grants to car owners, fleets and businesses which consider conversion to LPG or other environmentally friendly alternative fuels.
Congestion Charges
LPG car owners can sometimes qualify for a 100% discount on Congestion Charges. Your car has to be an approved vehicle type in band 4 of the Transport Energy Powershift Register. Your vehicle must also be supplied or converted by an LPGA Approved supplier. Your vehicle must also meet the emission standards set by the Transport Energy CleanUp Register.
You can switch back to petrol at any time
LPG works in such a way that, at anytime you choose, you can change back to petrol at the flick of a switch. The switch is mounted on the dash board of your car and is used to switch between LPG and Petrol. Converting a car back from LPG to petrol is also a painless process and reputable dealers should offer this as part of their guarantee.
Environmentally friendly
Traditional fuels such as petrol and diesel are constantly taking the blame from the Government as the primary cause of low quality air conditions in the UK. Automotive vehicles emit a mixture of harmful gases including Sulphur Dioxide Hydrocarbons, Micro particulates and Nitric Oxides to name but a few.
Poor air quality, due to high levels of toxic emissions, imposes costs to society that are mainly related to health care costs. Health problems resulting from these emissions include Congestive heart failure, Respiratory problems and Bronchitis, which all relate to poor air quality.
LPG cars produce substantially less emissions according to research carried out by the Norfolk County Council. Individuals and organisations that adopt the environmentally-friendly alternative automotive fuels and technologies are not only generating cost savings for themselves but also for the larger society.
