Government ‘U-turn’ over use of red diesel on roads
THE NFU has backtracked on its proposal for a speed limit for tractors using red diesel as a means of discouraging inappropriate fuel use on roads.
Instead, in its submission to the HM Customs and Excise consultation on red diesel, it proposes a system that defines more clearly the circumstances under which use of red diesel on roads would be allowed.
The change of heart came after FW (News, Feb 4) suggested that the NFU might push for a speed restriction system.
“The article caused some debate among our members, and then we had a meeting with Customs and Excise and heard that there would be enforcement problems with an approach based on speed restrictions.
“Having considered all the issues, we decided to go for a system that defines in detail which agricultural and horticultural uses qualify for the use of red diesel on public roads,” said NFU transport adviser Lisa Wise.
The NFU submission supported the government”s analysis that the current system does not reflect the needs of modern farming.
The NFU said: “The use of red diesel on the road continues to be an invaluable concession for farmers and growers.
The range of agricultural vehicles now being used is far broader than when this Act was introduced more than 20 years ago and this, and the diverse structure of modern farming, needs to be acknowledged in any legislative changes.”
The union also stated that it agrees with the government that measures are needed to discourage the inappropriate use of red diesel on the road, but added that technological and design advances in farm vehicles need to be taken into account.
“We believe the system best placed to achieve this aim is one based around defining the circumstances under which it would be permissible to use red diesel on the road; as opposed to any restrictions being imposed on speed or distance travelled.”
