WEST Yorkshire Police's first liquefied petroleum gas-powered car has gone on patrol in Leeds. Vauxhall has provided the Astra 1.4-litre and a year's free fuel will be supplied from a Jet service station in Leeds.

Divisional commander Supt Gavin Edwards said: 'Everyone is working towards a greener environment and we are pleased to do our small part. It has only been possible with the close co-operation of Vauxhall and Jet.' The car will be compared directly with a 1.4-litre petrol Vauxhall Astra from the force's 900-strong fleet and after a year, their performance in the field and police officers' comments will be used to decide whether to expand the clean-fuelled vehicle fleet.

Rod Palmer, Jet LPG manager, said: 'We are confident the trial will lead to more police vehicles being converted to LPG. We hope other fleet operators will consider the switch to LPG as an alternative fuel because of the environmental benefits and cost advantages it offers.'