Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, has welcomed a decision by Total UK not to reinstate petrol storage at Buncefield Depot following the devastating explosion of 2005.

Total UK have decided that they will restrict the use of their part of the site – the larger part – to the storage of aviation fuel.

Mike said:
“Aviation fuel – paraffin – is much less volatile and this is a very welcome and sensible decision. The Buncefield depot is too close to residential and business areas to safely store petrol. We were very lucky in 2005 that no one was killed and, I think, all local residents will welcome this decision.

“Aviation fuel is a much more stable fuel and is actually quite difficult to get to burn. Total’s decision is good news for Hemel Hempstead.”