Alternative fuels such as Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) have environmental benefits as well as financial.
(PRWeb) February 25, 2007 -- Research carried out by the Norfolk County Council has shown the alternative automotive fuels produce substantially less harmful emissions than petrol and diesel. 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.
Automotive fuels are constantly taking the blame and criticism from the Government as the main cause of poor air quality 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 harmful gases imposes social costs that are mainly associated with health care costs. Health problems resulting from these emissions include Congestive heart failure, Respiratory problems and Bronchitis, which all relate to poor air quality.
Fuel emissions cost society financially and economically. The financial costs are calculated based on city population sizes in the UK, and grams of pollutants emitted per 1000km travelled by each automotive vehicle fuel type. These figures are directly related to the ecomonical costs in terms of health care expenditure.
The benefits of alternative fuels are reduced health problems such as Congestive heart failure, Respiratory problems and Bronchitis.
Financial savings come about from reduced fuel costs. Whilst the Government continues to increase duty on traditional fuels Petrol an Diesel, LPG has enjoyed two reductions in duty. As the Government seeks to encourage reduced emissions, with reduced duties, grants and exemption from the Congestion Charge, this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. 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.
Many motorists believe their vehicle will more expensive to insure if it is converted to LPG. However, a survey carried out by the LPG Association (LPGA), essentially showed that this isn't the case. Out of the top 20 insurance companies, all said they would insure a vehicle converted by an LPG approved installer. This would be for the same price as a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle. Only two insurers advised they would charge an extra premium.
Owners of LPG powered cars may qualify for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge. 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. Finally, your vehicle must meet the emission standards set by the Transport Energy CleanUp Register. With the congestion charge already spreading to the West of London the opportunity to make savings has never been greater.
The cost of running LPG cars is dramatically less than standard petrol and diesel vehicles and does not require higher maintenance levels. LPG car owners experience an overall reduction in engine wear and LPG is clean burning and contains no lead or carbon deposits. It also reduces maintenance costs on valves, spark plugs, pistons and rings.
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 LPG conversion or other environmentally friendly alternative fuels.
This Article was written by Simon OShea who recommends you visit http://www.fuelture.com for more information about automotive LPG in the UK. Fuelture Ltd is a UK based alternative fuel company with a national LPG Conversion service.
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