A GOVERNMENT minister has encouraged motorists across the country to switch from petrol to cheaper and cleaner Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Energy Minister Brian Wilson says this should be a New Year's Resolution.

He said: "LPG is an option which has already removed thousands of motorists from uncertainty about pump prices. Government has backed the LPG alternative and I hope that many more motorists will consider it."

He went on: "LPG is half the price of petrol. It emits fewer greenhouse gases and is therefore one of the most environmentally friendly options currently available."

More than five million drivers worldwide use LPG and in the UK numbers have increased from 3,500 at the end of 1998 to 65,000 by the end of 2001.

There are expected to be 250,000 LPG drivers on the road by 2005.

Mr Wilson said he wanted fleet managers, car hire firms, taxi companies and individual motorists to explore the LPG option.

Mr Wilson recently announced a £1m LPG Boost fund to help train garage mechanics -- particularly in rural areas -- as approved LPG converters.

This is in addition to Powershift grants which cover around half of the conversion costs to the motorists.

Garages and motorists can get information on grants from the Energy Savings Trust website (www.est.org.uk) and the LPG Association website (www.lpga.co.uk).