LLOYDS TSB autolease has won a deal to supply 210 liquefied petroleum gas-powered vans to Newcastle City Council. As well as being one of the contract hire company's biggest LPG deals to date, it is also one of the largest agreements completed under the new block PowerShift grants aimed at encouraging more fleets to switch to gas.

The 128 Ford Transits and 82 Citroen Berlingos are being funded through a contract hire non-maintenance operating lease basis, with Newcastle City Council handling servicing and maintenance.

Brian Fothergill, engineering services manager at Newcastle City Council, said: 'Lloyds TSB autolease was selected ahead of seven other companies because it demonstrated the best value and an ability to work closely with our in-house team.

'Newcastle City Council outlined its commitment to the environment in 2000 with a green transport plan and this influenced our vehicle replacement policy. '

Malcolm Noyle, public sector development manager at Lloyds TSB autolease, said: 'This deal underlines our commitment to green fleet innovation and to forming strong partnerships with local authorities.'