Public Servant Lifestyle

The TransportAction PowerShift programme gives financial help to motorists, to cover the cost of converting their vehicles to use clean, low-duty Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - which costs less than 40p per litre, on garage forecourts.

Previously available only for new cars, or conversions of vehicles up to a year old, the grant will now be offered to owners who wish to carry out conversions on cars up to five-years-old, for which quality emission-reducing conversions are available.

The grants will cover up to 50% of the cost of conversion, which can range from £1,300 to £1,800.

The Powershift programme is sponsored by the department of transport, local government and the regions (DTLR). Transport minister David Jamieson announced the changes, following a Government consultation on the future shape of the PowerShift programme, designed to maximise the programme's environmental and health benefits.

Speaking during a visit to a LPG refuelling site, Mr Jamieson said: "We want to build on the programme's increasing success, by extending the funding to older vehicles. From 1 November, owners of vehicles up to five years old, may now apply for grants, and can help reduce environmental pollution.

"This is excellent news for an estimated two million motorists, who will now be eligible for financial assistance, to help with the additional cost of converting their vehicles to run on LPG. The PowerShift Register lists all models for which quality, emission-reducing conversions - and grants - are available."

The minister added: "Car owners can also be confident that conversions carried out by PowerShift-approved converters are safe, reliable and high quality. All major companies provide insurance cover, at standard no-premium rates, for PowerShift-approved conversions.

"LPG is now widely available, with around 900 filling stations offering this cleaner fuel nationwide."

Mr Jamieson concluded: "The Energy Saving Trust will continue to monitor converted vehicles, to ensure standards remain high, and that the vehicles are delivering environmental benefits. Tough action will be taken against any converters not meeting these high standards.

"Our continued commitment to LPG, and other clean fuels, will give industry and transport operators the confidence to continue investing in cleaner vehicles and refuelling sites".

More information available in Eco Motoring