HMRC confirmed on Thursday (6th December) that farmers will be permitted to use red diesel in their tractors to help grit and clear snow from public roads this winter.

Under normal rules any vehicle that is being used to clear snow from public roads using a snow plough or similar device is entitled to use red diesel, though only vehicles intended solely for dealing with ice, frost or snow could preciously conduct such work. However, HMRC recently launched a consultation on proposed changes to these rules in light of work to grit roads and clear snow conducted in past years by farmers.

Farmers working in remote regions of Scotland in particular were praised for their work to keep roads open in challenging conditions these past years. On Thursday, HMRC said it would adopt a "pragmatic" approach and allow tractors on public roads clearing snow or gritting to provide access to schools, hospitals, and remote communities cut off by ice and snow to use red diesel.

The move was welcomed by the NFU. Regulatory affairs adviser Ben Ellis said HMRC's decision made "complete sense." He commented, "The recognition of the vital work that farmers undertake for local communities in cold weather is a positive step. We are pleased that HMRC have taken a sensible approach on this matter - some areas are already receiving the first snowfall this winter while other areas are preparing for what looks to be a cold few weeks ahead.

“We are currently awaiting the results of a HMRC consultation on a permanent relaxation on the rules for gritting, which the NFU is strongly in favour of.”

Tweet