WIREDGOV

Six leading petrol retailers with more than 600 UK filling stations between them have pumped up their confidence in spending wisely on site management after signing up to a red tape cutting scheme with London's fire chiefs.

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd, Waitrose, Shell, Motor Fuel Group Plc, Snax 24 Ltd and Park Garage Group Plc have formed primary authority partnerships with the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA), covering the inspection and enforcement of petroleum licences.

The Petroleum Group of the LFEPA enforces petroleum legislation at around 650 licensed premises within London. Under the Primary Authority Scheme, it has taken on the additional responsibility of ensuring that petroleum legislation is enforced consistently at all premises operated by their partners across the UK.

London is the first fire authority to adopt the Primary Authority scheme which provides reliable and consistent advice from a single source for companies operating across two or more local councils and fire authorities.

Tony Head, Operations and Development Director, Motor Fuel Group, said: "As a company we are looking forward to this new initiative and the benefits we expect it to bring."

The Primary Authority scheme is administered by LBRO, the experts on better regulation. Chairman Clive Grace said: "London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority is demonstrating its willingness to lead the way in reducing the burden of administration on business while maintaining the safety of the public as its paramount concern.

"We hope that other fire authorities follow their lead. The need to ease the burden of red tape on business has never been more acute, and primary authority is a proven, successful method of doing that."

Media enquiries to Jo Barker or Roland Curtis. Tel: 0121 226 4019.

Email: jo.barker@lbro.org.uk or roland.curtis@lbro.org.uk