Drivers turning to cheaper LPG; on the road.

A RAPID rise in the number of drivers running their cars on liquefied petroleum gas is being reported as motorists continue to try to reduce running costs and emissions.

With petrol and diesel prices rising steadily and consumers tightening their purse strings, latest research by TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk suggests that more than half of motorists are now considering converting their vehicles to run on LPG.

According to the green car guide, switching to LPG, which is also known as autogas, could save up to 40% on fuel bills.

It lowers emissions and reduces costs including an exemption from congestion charges and reductions in company car tax and road tax.

As a result of its environmental credentials, LPG attracts a significantly lower duty rate compared with traditional fuels, which puts the average price at about half that of petrol.

This is because about 80% of the pump price of conventional fuels goes to the Treasury in tax.

The Government has pledged to limit duty rises on LPG until 2014, although if enough people are using it by then those rates are expected to soar to compensate for lost revenue.

LPG produces a fifth less CO than an equivalent petrol engine, has significantly lower nitrous oxide levels and 120 times less carbon particle emissions than diesel.

It is a by-product of the oil refinement process and is abundantly available, with a clean chemical make-up, evaporating especially quickly if spilled.

LPG autogas is now the most widely available alternative fuel in the UK, with about 1,300 public refuelling sites for the 150,000 vehicles currently using it on a daily basis. Most petrol-powered vehicles can be converted to run on LPG at a one-off cost of about pounds 1,600.

There are also an increasing number of new factory-fitted LPG vehicles being manufactured.

The GreenCarWebsite.co.uk's editor, Faye Sunderland, says: "LPG is a realistic solution to greener motoring for anyone waiting for mainstream alternatives.

"It is a relatively cheap way to reduce the environmental impact of an existing vehicle and a wise investment when buying a new one."