Warning Over Petrol Storage

With fuel prices going up Hampshire County Council is warning people not to store large amounts of petrol.

It's after Hampshire Trading Standards officers, after a tip-off, found a man in Farnborough was storing 11 cans of petrol in his garage at home. The legal amount is 2 cans and only approved containers should be used. 

Penalties on conviction for illegal storage of petrol can be prison or an unlimited fine. Having more than the legal amount can also invalidate home insurance. 

The advice is to keep petrol containers in a well ventilated building, in a garage not part of your house or a shed, and if possible, a powder or foam fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. 

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "The storage of petrol is strictly regulated because it is a very dangerous and highly flammable substance. I would strongly urge residents not to risk the safety of themselves and their families by storing fuel illegally."