Initially developed...

Initially developed in Norway, the device has subsequently been trialled in France, where tests showed that around 95 per cent of the toxic vapour was eliminated. British environment minister Ben Bradshaw explained: "Petrol fumes from service stations contribute to air pollution and lead to smog in warm weather. Fitting new equipment which can capture these fumes will help to cut risks to public health and the environment."

The system works using holes in the filler nozzle which suck the fumes that take up the empty space at the top of the petrol tank down a second- ary hose, before they can escape into the atmosphere. The gases are deposited into a collection tank beneath the forecourt, where they revert back into liquid fuel (see diagram).

A CleanAIR spokesman said: "The technology creates a win/win situation for all parties because it helps the environment, while at the same time recovering petrol."