CARDIFF County Council estimates it has saved £50,000 on its fuel bill over the past 12 months by taking the number of LPG vehicles on its fleet to more than 50%.

It has steadily increased the number LPG-powered vehicles to 57% of its 400-strong fleet of light commercial vehicles and estate cars.

The alternative fuel vehicles are replacing existing diesel models in an otherwise all-diesel policy and council officials claim a cost per mile reduction of 33% for LPG vehicles compared to diesel. Its fleet of LPG vehicles includes about 20 1.6-litre Vauxhall Combo Dualfuel vans, which are shortly due for replacement, and the council has just placed an order for a further eight LPG-powered Vauxhall Astra estates.

They are being contract hired through Interleasing.

Councillor Phil Robinson, cabinet member for the environment said: 'We plan to increase the number of Vauxhall LPG models on our fleet as the Combos have proved exceptionally reliable with very good fuel savings and environmental benefits. We have high expectations of the Astra estates.'

The council further extends the cost saving benefits of LPG operation by bunkering liquefied petroleum gas at two of its city centre depots.