2-12-02

Barrett calls for greater emphasis on LPG

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called for a greater emphasis to be placed on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for car fuel.

Mr Barrett has backed a House of Commons motion calling for all new or refurbished filling stations to be required to provide LPG fuelling facilities.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"LPG offers a much cleaner and environmentally friendlier way of fuelling vehicles. It emits less carbon dioxide compared with petrol and less pollution compared with diesel fuel.

"An increasing number of vehicles are now being propelled by LPG, which is welcome. However, if the Government are serious about tackling climate change and improving air quality, fuel such as LPG must be made available at as many petrol stations as possible. Requiring all new filling stations or those currently being refurbished to have LPG facilities would help a great deal towards that aim."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Mr Barrett has signed EDM 19 which states: "That this House believes that the fact that there is an increasing number of vehicles in the UK propelled by liquefied petroleum gas is a sign that the public increasingly recognises the environmental and health benefits of LPG over petrol and diesel; notes the significant contribution that a switch to LPG from diesel would make to improving air quality and, from petrol, to reducing carbon dioxide emissions; and believes that all new or refurbished filling stations should be required to provide LPG refuelling facilities."