Environment - Lloyd Ash

The UK exports in excess of 3 million tonnes LPG per annum with automotive usage only 100,000 tonnes, demonstrating a local secure fuel supply. The environmental benefits of LPG have encouraged the continued reduction of duty on LPG, which is the primary reason for most users.

The main environmental issues in the UK are poor air quality. Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) and fine particulates cause respiratory problems for our nations health and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) causes global warming. A diesel vehicle produces more than 20 times Nitrogen Oxide than a LPG vehicle and 120 times more fine particles than a LPG vehicle. LPG is the most environmentally friendly widely available fuel alternative.

In order to improve air quality, the introduction of a series of stringent European standards, commonly known as Euro standards were first introduced in 1992. These directives have a significant effect on vehicle emissions. The table below outlines the Euro Standards that have been introduced or those that have been agreed to.

Standard	Directive	Type of Vehicle	Date of introduction (for type approval)
Euro I	91/444/EEC 93/59/EEC 91/542/EEC	passenger cars light commercial vehicles heavy diesels	31 December 1992 1 October 1994 1 October 1993
Euro II	94/12/EC 96/69/EC 91/542/EEC	passenger cars light commercial vehicles heavy diesels	1 January 1997 1 October 1997 1 October 1996
Euro III	98/69/EC Common Position	passenger cars & light commercial vehicles heavy diesels	1 January 2001 1 January 2001
Euro IV	98/69/EC Common Position	passenger cars & light commercial vehicles heavy diesels	1 January 2006 1 January 2006*

*Further NOx emission standards would also be introduced from 1 January 2009
as part of the same directive