Prolonged severe weather could bring a relaxation of HMRC rules on using red diesel in tractors for road gritting.

Normally only vehicles designed and used solely for gritting may use red diesel, said HMRC. Consequently, farmers who use tractors to grit public roads for their local communities are legally prevented from doing so.

“Extreme weather requires a flexible response, says HMRC, which plans to relax the rules on gritting temporarily if the UK has prolonged severe weather. It will announce this temporary relaxation on its website.

Any vehicle, including a tractor, that clears snow from public roads using a snow plough or similar device, is already allowed to use red diesel for this job.

More information from the Excise and Customs Helpline on 0845 010 9000.