Autogas has announced an increase in the number of outlets providing LPG to their customers.

The latest service station to add LPG to its range is Shell Eagle in Rochdale. This takes the total number of LPG stations in the UK to over 1,400, according to Autogas, which estimates that a further 15 outlets will begin retailing the gas this year.

Autogas national marketing coordinator, Chris Taylor, said: "We are committed to providing LPG customers with a wide range of convenient and accessible service stations.

"With more than 160,000 vehicles now being powered by LPG, it’s vital we continually modify and update our location strategy."

He added that anyone thinking of converting their vehicle to run off LPG could be assured they will be no more than five miles away from an LPG service station in major conurbations.

Vehicles running on LPG are said to produce far fewer harmful emissions that contribute to environmental and health problems than traditional road fuels. LPG vehicles produce 17% less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2% less than diesel; 120% less NOx than petrol and 2,000% less than diesel.

In terms of small particle emissions (PM10) one LPG vehicle will emit up to 120 times less than a diesel vehicle.

Added benefits of running a vehicle on LPG can include up to 100% exemption from the London Congestion Charge and increased residual vehicle values.