OWNERS of ‘green’ LPG-converted cars in Farnham now face a 20-mile round-trip for fuel after BP removed the town’s only LPG pump from its petrol station on the A31.

According to the oil and gas giant, the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or ‘Autogas’ pump has been removed from its forecourt between Hickley’s Corner and the Shepherd and Flock due to “low and declining customer demand”.

A BP spokesman added: “We apologise for any inconvenience this causes to the small number of customers who use the LPG pump at this location.”

However, the move has angered owners of LPG cars in the Farnham area, not least because it means the closest LPG pumps to Farnham are now in Guildford, Liphook and Hartley Wintney.

One such owner Benedict Parsons, who recently bought his fourth LPG-converted vehicle a Ford S-Max, believes BP has given up on LPG too soon, with alternative green energies such as hydrogen fuel still a distant proposition.

In a letter to Farnham’s MP, Jeremy Hunt, Benedict wrote: “With all the local concern over diesel emissions in Farnham, I thought you’d be interested to know refuelling provision for the only infrastructure-viable green fuel alternative currently available for distance drivers (LPG) in the Farnham area is being withdrawn from residents…causing considerable inconvenience to motorists using LPG vehicles, who in symbiotic partnership have in turn relied, in particular, on BP and Shell’s commitment to maintaining a viable re-fuelling network.

“It would be appreciated if you can please lobby for the withdrawal of LPG refuelling infrastructure to be halted, at both a local and national level, not least until the supply infrastructure for other alternatives is more established.”

Benedict added awareness of the benefits of LPG - which releases around 33 per cent less CO2 than petrol and 45 per cent less than diesel - is much higher in France, where it’s readily available along the French motorway network.

He also believes LPG could present a solution to Farnham’s air pollution issues, if local councils were to encourage conversions with incentives such as parking discounts.

He continued: “To run a decent range electric vehicle such as a Tesla for example, you’ll likely need around £60,000. With LPG, you only need around £1,500, that is if one doesn’t simply invest in an already converted LPGA approved vehicle, for probably no extra.

“So long as the conversion has the green LPGA certificate, it generally doesn’t affect warranties or insurance premiums. Engines run more quietly, and with the cleaner burning, generally last longer.”

Responding, Jeremy Hunt, MP for South West Surrey, said: “It is disappointing to learn that access for customers wanting LPG fuel in Farnham could be denied if BP is to remove the pump from its forecourt. I believe, where possible, customers should be given a choice.”

For more information about LPG including a list of accredited distributors visit the website of the trade association for the LPG industry in the UK, UKLPG, at www.drivelpg.co.uk.