MIDLAND Shires Farmers is carrying out tests on the possible introduction of liquefied petroleum gas to its fleet of 164 cars and 30 vans. Fuel duties, the rising cost of diesel, and refuelling are all issues being assessed before Worcester-based MSF decides to switch its entire fleet to gas-power.

In order to carry out examinations on fuel efficiency and wear and tear, two vans have already been converted, along with a Ford Mondeo. Another car is also being altered to take LPG fuel. Roger Bagley, fleet manager for MSF, said: 'We are running a 100% diesel fleet and if the Government does put up the price on it, then gas would look even more favourable.'