GAS will be a driving force for candidates hitting the election trail. The three major parties have been provided with cars which run on LPG to help them take the 'green' route to political meetings. Three luxury Vauxhall Omega models have been converted to run on LPG in a novel bid to show prospective MPs that the alternative fuel is also practical to use.

Calor Gas spokesman Gideon Overwater said: 'The Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have all expressed concern over vehicle emissions in urban areas, so we've taken the opportunity to provide them with a proper test of gas power. With 42 refuelling points in the UK, LPG is a practical and viable alternative to petrol and diesel.'

Calor has spent £1,550 to convert each loan car's 2.5-litre, V6 petrol engine to run on its Autoblend fuel, which it claims gives quieter and smoother running without affecting performance. The cars, on loan from Vauxhall, use a Koltec multi-point gas injection system and have been supplied by Tipper Fleet Services.