The Gauteng provincial government has begun converting its official vehicles to run on liquid petroleum gas in an effort to promote different energy resources.
The Gauteng provincial government has begun converting its official vehicles to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in an effort to promote different energy resources.
According to , the provincial government said last week 210 motor vehicles had already been converted to use LPG at a cost of R1,6 million.
A spokesman said it cost about R 8 000 to convert a car to use LPG, which was regarded as an environmentally-friendly fuel emitting fewer noxious gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide.
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa launched the pilot project at the provincial legislature in Johannesburg last week, as part of government’s efforts to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions.
Shilowa said the success of this initiative would make it possible to convert all government vehicles in the province to use LPG fuel in a bid to reduce the environmental impact caused by motor vehicles.
Shilowa encouraged motorists to also consider converting their vehicles. “If it works for government, there is no reason why it should not work for all the people of our province. As government, we have done our part and you should follow suit,” he said.
Five filling points have been set up around Gauteng for the converted vehicles. It is, however, expected to take a while before the gas will be available to private vehicle owners.
CAR technical editor Jake Venter said the major advantage of switching to LPG was that the engines run cleaner and last longer.
He said it would also help prevent fuel theft. “This is a big problem for government fleets and by switching to LPG it is impossible to use the fuel without an expensive conversion,” Venter said.
