THE Royal Mail, BP and Ford have teamed up for a two-year trial of gas powered vans. Royal Mail has converted 21 new Ford Transit vans to run on liquified petroleum gas and compressed natural gas, to test the viability of the alternative fuels.

Post Office chief executive John Roberts said: 'Royal Mail's 28,000 vehicles use 120 million litres of fuel a year and cover 442 million miles. Any reduction in emissions will have a significant impact. These trials demonstrate our intention to be in the forefront of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of road transport.' Ian McAllister, chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain, said: 'The trials are key to ensuring the technology is completely robust,' If the trial is a success for costs and operations, he said Ford could offer gas vehicles as an option.

The vans were converted by Hendy Power and Tickford, at between £1,500 and £5,000 depending on the technology used and whether vehicles were originally petrol or diesel.