Petrol is a highly flammable liquid which, when improperly stored, poses a risk to you, people nearby and the emergency services if there is a fire.
The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles etc.) Regulations 1929 and the Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982, limit the amount of petrol that can be kept in a domestic garage or within six metres of a building (for example, most domestic driveways).
The limit is a maximum of two suitable metal containers each of a maximum capacity of ten litres or two plastic containers (which have to be of an approved design) each of a maximum capacity of five litres.
These limits also apply to any containers kept in a vehicle parked in the garage or on the driveway (but not to the internal fuel tank of the vehicle).
Under no circumstances should the petrol containers be stored in the home itself.
What about larger quantities?
Anyone who wishes to store larger quantities than this, or use larger containers, is required to notify the local Petroleum Licensing Authority (PLA) and to store the petrol in a prescribed manner set out in the 1929 Regulations mentioned above - enquirers who want further details should contact their local PLA.
Storage of more than 275 litres (60 gallons) of petrol requires a petrol licence - again, contact the local PLA.
More advice
For more advice on petroleum-related matters please contact the petroleum licensing officer of your local district council in Northern Ireland.