A NATIONAL print and reprographic company is expecting to save more than £50,000 after a major review of its fleet.

Following the introduction of the London congestion charge earlier this year, Call Print Services examined its fleet policy and replaced some vehicles with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) models because it operates in the capital.

As the cleanest LPG vehicles receive a 100% discount from the congestion charge, savings were made both on exemption fees and on LPG, which is half the price of petrol or diesel.

Jim Cheesman, administration manager at Call Print, said: 'With a fleet of more than 20 vehicles operating daily within the congestion zone and others visiting on a regular basis, the directors realised savings needed to be made.'

ING Car Lease, which helped with the review, teamed up with Vauxhall to provide petrol and LPG Dualfuel Combo vans. Call Print is also set to test a Corsa LPG car with a view to replacing further vehicles at the end of the contract, which is set to run for three years.

The deal comes as Vauxhall's LPG sales have reached record highs (Fleet NewsNet August 21).

The manufacturer said the rise is due to increased awareness among fleets, rising petrol and diesel costs and wider product choices. The introduction of the London congestion charge was also cited as a reason for the boost in sales.

Call Print has also installed a LPG refuelling tank at one of its sites in central London, in a bid to reduce costs even further.

More London-based companies are switching to LPG in a bid to reduce costs. Property firm OCS announced plans to convert 10% of its fleet to Vauxhall Dualfuel vehicles last month and expects to slash thousands of pounds from its annual London congestion charging bill. The group is using the vehicles in the capital and plans to evaluate the rest of its fleet with a view to converting to LPG later.