OUT of 20 cars converted to LPG, 19 were found to be dangerous, in test results revealed this month.

Now a campaign has begun for a licensing scheme to make sure garages carry out conversions correctly.

The move comes as an increasing number of cars are being converted to run on LPG, which is cheaper, cleaner and greener than conventional petrol.

New filling stations are opening every day, and Government grants are available for some vehicles to be converted.

LPG is as safe to use as petrol or diesel, proving conversions are carried out correctly. The danger cases were discovered in tests by Birmingham Trading Standards.

Drivers whose cars had recently been converted were invited to bring them in for a free inspection.

"The tests revealed shocking results," says Birmingham Council. "All but one had been left in an unsafe condition."

None of the garages involved was on the list of installers approved by the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association.

In a bid to encourage the safe use of LPG, the Association has teamed up with Birmingham Council and others, including the MG Rover Group, who have recently introduced LPG versions of their Rover 45 and 75 and MG XR and ZS saloons.

Birmingham's Public Protection Committee is keen to promote the use of alternative fuels, but wants to a see a licensing scheme to root out cowboys who are putting dangerous conversions on the road.