Abstract: This article addresses some issues, involving both transport and the environment, with which the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) is concerned. One of the most important of these issues is the promotion of gas-powered and electric vehicles that run on alternative fuels. In the Government's Budget in March 1999, the Chancellor of the Exchequer reduced by 29% the level of duty on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Duty on these fuels is now about 20% of that on petrol and diesel. As a result, vehicle fleet operators have become much more intestered in gas-powered vehicles. Such fuels can offer reduced emissions and other environmental benefits, especailly if used instead of diesel, as they produce lower emissions of particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Engine modifications and the installation of special fuel tanks are needed to adapt an existing vehicle to run on gas, but an increasing number of new vehicles are being built to run on gas. The article also considers: (1) the economic benefits of switching to alternative fuels; (2) other alternative fuel factors and technologies; (3) electric vehicles; (4) other relevant developments; (5) the DETR Powershift Programme to develop a market for cleaner vehicles; and (6) future prospects.
Publication Year: 1999
Publication Date: 1999-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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