Aug. 24--Are you fed up with spending a fortune every time you fill up the car? Then why not convert your vehicle to run on LPG? Liquefied petroleum gas is an increasingly popular option among cost-conscious motorists as it can slash fuel bills by up to a half.

But with a conversion costing at least UKpound 1,300, recouping the investment can take a couple of years on a typical 12,000 annual mileage.

John Creamer, 42, owner of builders' merchant Maulyte in Woolwich, south-east London, recently had his new fleet of five 1.4 litre Citroen vans converted to LPG when he bought them.

"With petrol prices soaring, it saves us a fortune converting the vehicles to run on gas. And fortunately there are petrol stations nearby that supply LPG. By installing the extra tanks underneath the vans rather than in the back we don't lose out on space," he says.

With each van doing an average of 25,000 miles a year, John believes it will take just a year to recoup the UKpound 1,600 conversion cost on each vehicle.

He also benefits because the vans are not liable for the London congestion charge as they are more environmentally friendly than standard fuel vehicles, having passed the necessary "Euro IV" regulations. LPG motors spew out 20 percent less carbon dioxide than petrol-driven vehicles.

The cash savings from LPG are huge. It costs an average of 60p a litre rather than the UKpound 1.12 per litre for unleaded petrol, though fuel economy is slightly worse and engines lose five percent of their power when run on gas.

Vehicles fitted for LPG can continue to be run on petrol -- diesel engines cannot be converted -- with a separate tank for the gas fitted in the boot or under the body. The conversion does not harm the engine and the extra tank takes up space equivalent to the size of a spare tyre.

The fact that LPG cars can be automatically switched to standard petrol when required is an important factor, as there are only 1,300 LPG stations nationwide, many of which are in the London area.

Lisa Thomson, a spokeswoman for industry body UK LPG, says: "As fuel prices soar, LPG is becoming far more popular among motorists.

"It doesn't just save you cash but it will also reduce your carbon footprint. At present there are 150,000 LPG vehicles on the road, but over the past six months we have seen 14,000 conversions -- that is more than we usually get in a year."

Thomson says anyone considering a conversion should use one of the 200 UK LPG-accredited providers accepted by motor insurers. Previously, the Government offered grants of up to 75 percent of the cost of converting vehicles, but this was ditched four years ago.

Faye Spiers, editor of industry magazine LP Gas, says: "After being so supportive of LPG, the Government now fails to back environmentally friendly words with action."

She also believes negative publicity around bio-fuels has left motorists confused and has not helped the LPG cause.

LPG is a blend of propane and butane produced as a by-product of oil-refining and found in natural gas fields.

This is in contrast to organic bio-fuel, much of which comes from palm oil. Palm oil production has led to the widespread clearing of rain forests to grow the crop -- not a particularly environmentally friendly approach.

Luke Bosdet, an AA spokesman, says anyone considering a conversion should think long and hard before making the move. As well as the cost, motorists should realise that LPG suppliers are not common on the Continent and that the Eurotunnel does not permit LPG vehicles.

"Do your sums before you buy. It may well be possible to make the equivalent savings just by taking a more commonsense attitude to motoring," says Bosdet.

Web site drivelpg.co.uk offers detailed information on LPG conversions, including a cost calculator and accredited suppliers and garages that offer the service.

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