UKLPG is calling on the incoming air quality minister to support new research indicating that automotive LPG could play a bigger role for UK transport to 2050. 

A report commissioned by The UK’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas trade association (UKLPG) from Millbrook Proving Ground calls for greater recognition of the air quality benefits of automotive LPG.

The body says that, compared with diesel, LPG contains fewer pollutants that are harmful to human health, while in comparison with petrol and diesel, LPG emits lower levels of CO2. Widely available for use in vehicles in the UK since 2000, around 150,000 drivers benefit from using LPG.

Vehicles powered by automotive LPG are also much less harmful to the environment, emitting significantly fewer harmful pollutants such as CO2, NOx and particulate matter than petrol or diesel models. The report also highlights the potential for automotive LPG to take an ongoing role within the UK’s current transport mix both as a mono and dual fuel. 

Following the Supreme Court’s pre-election ruling that the government must produce a new air quality plan by the end of 2015, the incoming minister will need to set out a number of policies to ensure the UK reaches compliance with EU nitrogen dioxide limits. UKLPG is urging the minister, who David Cameron is set to name this week, to adopt a series of measures to improve air quality in the UK and meet its EU targets.

“As an incredibly versatile, plentiful and clean fuel, automotive LPG deserves far greater recognition for its air quality, low-carbon and cost effective benefits which we urge the new minister to recognise,” said Rob Shuttleworth, chief executive of UKLPG.

“The research, backed by supporting evidence, clearly identifies the potential for a strong future for automotive LPG to 2050. We’re keen to work together with the automotive industry and policy makers to develop the future of low-carbon road transport in which automotive LPG plays a key role.”

Phillip Taylor, principal engineer, (powertrain integration, alternative propulsion, energy and CO2) at Millbrook Proving Ground, added: “Based on our comprehensive, independent review of the available evidence, it is clear that there is a role for automotive LPG through to 2050. The international emissions data is favourable to LPG, showing strong performance under well-to-wheel testing conditions.”

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