Petrol
What is the law on storing petrol safely?
Petrol is a dangerous substance; it is a highly flammable liquid that can give off vapour and when not handled safely has the potential to cause a serious fire and/or explosion. This means there is always a risk of a fire and/or an explosion if there is a source of ignition nearby, for example, a naked flame or an electrical spark.
Guidance on legislation regulating the safe storage of petrol.
Applying for a certificate to store petrol
You must obtain a petrol storage certificate from us:
- to run a business where petrol is stored for dispensing directly into the fuel tank of an internal combustion engine
- where large amounts of petrol are stored for private use
If you are thinking about storing petrol, please contact us directly on 01926 414040 or email tslicensing@warwickshire.gov.uk to discuss your proposals, prior to making an application for a petrol storage certificate.
Applying for this certificate does not automatically mean that it will be granted to you.
Apply for a certificate to store petrol
Paying fees
You must pay an annual fee which is calculated according to the maximum volume of petrol to be stored at the site. You can choose to pay for up to ten years in advance.
Tell us about a change
Ownership changes
If you are leaving a site or are taking over a site where there is a current certificate please let us know in writing at least 28 days before the changes are due to take effect.
Site changes
Please contact us in good time before you make any material alterations (such as changes to tanks or pipework), or if you no longer intend to store petrol.
Disused tanks previously used to store petrol spirit
Where equipment for storing or dispensing vehicle fuel is taken out of use, whether temporarily or on a permanent basis, any employer running a business from the site has a legal obligation to ensure the tank and associated equipment is made safe. Failure to do so can have serious consequences due to the explosive atmosphere that will still exist.
Requesting information about a tank that is, or has been, used to store petrol spirit
If you would like a search of our records regarding existing or historical petrol storage on a site in Warwickshire please complete a petrol spirit storage information request with the appropriate payment.
If you are not the landowner you must provide confirmation of the owner’s permission for the search.
A search can take up to 21 days.