Introduction of C.N.G. under experts' eyes

Press, 4 July 1979, Page 20

Introduction of C.N.G. under experts' eyes

PA Auckland A new watchdog committee has been set up to guide the introduction of compressed natural gas as a fuel for vehicles. A small group of experts has been brought together to form the C.N.G. co-ordination committee, set up by the Liquid Fuels Trust Board. Their job will be to make sure there are no hitches and that everything runs smoothly. The committee's chairman is Professor Alan Titchener, who is based in Wellington. He says the committee will have three main functions: the setting up of regulations and safety procedures, smoothing out problems with city planners on sites for C.N.G. filling and

ensuring a uniformity of , fittings for easy maintenance and supply of parts. Once these were settled the new fuel should have few problems, Professor Titchener said. If problems did arise he hoped his coni mi.tee would be able to swing into action quickly to sort it out. The Auckland Gas Company, Ltd. says inquiries from firms about C.N.G. were being received. Dozens of businesses want to know how to convert their fleets to the new fuel since the Government announced incentives in the Budget. The company is discussing the economics several interested companies and showing its own C.N.G. refueling station and converted fleet of trucks and vans. j