Figures provided by Calor Autogas Development show a marked increase in the number of conversions to LPG as more drivers realise the cost and environmental benefits.
There are now about 155,000 LPG powered vehicles on the road in Britain with 17,000 of these being converted in 2008 which was an increase of 36% over the 2007 figures.
The driver of a vehicle powered by LPG can expect it to cost up to 40% less to run than conventional fuels and with high mileages can, in many cases, recover the conversion costs in two years.
Other benefits include up to 100% reduction in the London Congestion charge and increased residual values when the vehicle is sold. On the environmental front an LPG powered vehicle produces less of the harmful emissions that contribute to climate and health problems.
There are now more than 1400 public access refuelling sites across the UK with most of these being on filling station forecourts.
For more information visit www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk

Thousands of British motorists are facing fines of upto £1000.00 because they are unintentionally driving without a valid licence.

Photocard driving licences expire after automatically after 10 years even though the holder is licenced to drive until the age of 70. The problem has come to light since the first licences (issued in July 1998) have expired.

Motoring organisations say the Government has failed to publicise sufficiently the fact that the licences expire and have to be renewed. There is also a charge for renewal (currently £17.50) which critics have condemned  as a ’stealth tax’ which will earn the treasury an estimated £437 million in the next 25 years.

Figures from the DVLA show that jst over 4500 licences that expired in the summer of 2008 haven’t been renewed by their owners and the number is expected to soar over the coming year as licences expire while their owners are unaware of the fact.

The date you need to look at on your licence is just below the driver name on the FRONT of the photocard which is number 4b. This gives the date your licence will expire – check now to make sure you are not in breach of the law and risking a fine.

As we enter the months of January and February we are usually surprised by the fact that the weather gets colder, wetter and foggier. This year the frost and snow started early and looks set to continue for some time so let’s have a look at some suggestions that will help you stay out of trouble.
• It isn’t high on the list of priorities of most people in the current economic climate but get your vehicle serviced. A regularly serviced vehicle is less likely to break down and leave you stranded in freezing conditions miles from anywhere.
• Do weekly vehicle checks. Again, this isn’t something that most people bother with but it only takes five minutes and again can save you time in the long run. You should at least check oil, coolant, screen wash and drive belts under the bonnet as well as checking that all your lights work and are clean. Regular tyre pressure and condition checks should be done too. Do you have a quick look at all your tyres before you get into your vehicle when it’s been parked? You may have had 4 lots of air when you left it but has it still got 4 inflated tyres? Punctures do happen.
• If you have one (and many vehicles don’t now) check the spare tyre. Many people get a puncture and then find that the spare is flat too.
• Do you know where the jack etc is on your vehicle? We have asked people many times on courses to show us where the jack is and they can’t. This is embarrassing during a course but could be serious in a remote location in bad weather at night.
• Carry a torch, blanket, mobile phone with credit, shovel, snacks and drinks and a warm coat. An acquaintance of mine was recently stranded when his vehicle overheated (he hadn’t checked his coolant). It was over two hours before the recovery truck got to him and he only had a light jacket with him. He was obviously unable to put the heating on as he didn’t have an engine and was extremely cold (the outside temperature was -4C) by the time help arrived.
• Be a member of a recognised breakdown organisation – I know it’s more expense but it’s a form of insurance that you’ll be glad of if you have to use it.
• For more information click here.