Although, regretfully not currently allowed in the Channel Tunnel, there appears to be no problem with ferries, which I can confirm with those to Ireland, which I have successfully used.

It has been suggested that a problem with LPG is that the spread of suppliers isn't great. This may appear so, but I have happily run an LPG converted 2.2 Vauxhall Zafira for nearly 4 years, which has included working all over the Midlands and South Wales, and touring Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

I found that there are plenty of LPG stations around, with quite a few Internet sites whose lists can be printed.

There is no LPG station in my small town and, despite writing to all four asking for the facility, I received no reply!  However, I have two within a few miles, at Upton Warren and Worcester.

Countrywide Farmers sell LPG in the Midlands and Southwest at cheaper than service stations rates.  I had an account with them enabling me to fuel up using a "computer key", and pay monthly, not only at their premises but at other, private companies!

I found that planning a journey around LPG stations added another interesting dimension.

The economics were entirely justified for me: Taking into account the conversion cost and extra annual LPG safety check-up, I broke even at 26,600 miles and was "in profit" by £1,914.55 at 65,129 miles.

These saving figures are probably on the low side, as they were based on a notional petrol mpg based on just one (expensive) tankful and at petrol cost in 2001.

One word of warning - trade-in quotes for my LPG converted vehicle were shockingly low - from three independent dealers, including that from which I purchased the vehicle when new, I was offered only half the "book price" for the vehicle's condition and mileage!

However, all was not lost - I found three web sites specialising in private sales of LPG vehicles and had four people clamouring for my car at the standard book price, so I believe I could have easily charged more for the Conversion!

I regret that I found that the dealers for my next vehicle would not agree to maintain their warranty for an LPG conversion so I now have a modern diesel, which is costing me twice as much for fuel per mile than LPG!

David Wornham
Chairman
Worcestershire Group of Advanced Motorists