HUMBERSIDE Constabulary has taken delivery of 20 LPG-powered Proton Personas as part of extensive trials which could see the majority of its fleet switching to gas power. The fully liveried vehicles will be used as general purpose patrol cars covering around 25,000 miles a year and are expected to receive part-funding under the Government's Powershift programme.

Humberside Police's fleet and supplies manager Alan Hocking said lower running costs and environmental considerations had driven the decision to switch to gas. The Proton deal follows 18 months of research into gas and a preliminary trial involving LPG-powered Vauxhall Astras and Ford Escorts.

If the current trials prove successful, Humberside wants to convert the majority of its fleet 400-plus fleet to LPG, although motorway patrol vehicles will not be included for the time being because of the extra weight they have to carry.