The rules on the use of red diesel have changed, allowing the use of red diesel in their vehicles agricultural tractors, light agricultural vehicles and agricultural material handlers when gritting public roads.
The NFU called for a relaxation of the rules on the use of red diesel to allow farmers to help grit and clear snow from public roads for many years.
Previously, only vehicles constructed or adapted solely for gritting roads were allowed to use red diesel for gritting purposes. This restriction prevented farmers from using their tractors and other agricultural vehicles such as ATVs and materials handlers to clear public roads.
NFU transport spokesman John Collen said: “This is an issue the NFU have been pursuing for a number of years, HMRC have shown that they understand the issues facing rural communities in times of extreme weather. We are pleased that the changes will extend to agricultural ATVs and materials handlers, and that there is no limit on distance.”