LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS POWERED VEHICLES

Dr Toh See Kiat asked the Minister for Communications if Singapore will allow the introduction and encourage the use of Liquid Petroleum Gas powered motor vehicles in view of the environmental and economic advantages of such vehicles.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The Land Transport Authority does not object to the introduction and use of LPG vehicles in Singapore if they meet internationally recognised safety standards.

However, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Home Affairs have certain requirements regarding the bulk handling and storage of LPG which may impact the feasibility of using LPG vehicles. For instance, though Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG vehicles might be emitting lower levels of particulates and other pollutants than diesel-driven vehicles, LPG is a highly flammable substance - more so than petrol and diesel. With Singapore as a densely populated society and where many of the petrol stations are co-located with housing estates, the bulk transportation and storage of LPG in petrol stations are potential fire hazards. These safety standards would have to be properly addressed if LPG vehicles were to be used in Singapore.