FORD has sharply improved the emissions of the liquefied petroleum gas-powered Transit so that the van qualifies for a higher subsidy and will avoid future congestion charges in London.

The recalibrated engine means the Transit LPG now qualifies for Band 4 on the TransportAction PowerShift register, rather than Band 3, raising the grant level available from 60% to 70% of the £1,800 additional cost of converting the vehicle to run on gas.

Band 4 classification also means the Transit LPG will receive a 100% discount from the congestion charging scheme in London.

Ford has also extended Transit LPG availability to include 260 and 280 vans, and all LPG vans have a full factory warranty.

Steve Parker, Ford's director of commercial vehicles, said: 'We are now working with PowerShift to establish block grants for payment of the LPG subsidy.

'The aim is to trigger the subsidy payment direct to the end user.'