Using red diesel in extreme weather
HMRC have relaxed the red diesel rules for farmers who use their tractors to help grit and clear snow from public roads during extreme cold snaps. Under the normal rules only vehicles specifically constructed or adapted for dealing with frost, ice and snow – such as a snow plough – can work on public roads while using red diesel.
However, HMRC have confirmed that they will be adopting a pragmatic approach in respect to tractors being used to keep rural roads clear.
HMRC have stated that "this means tractors on public roads clearing snow or gritting to provide access to schools, hospitals, a remote dwelling, or communities cut off by ice and snow are entitled to use red diesel.”
Farming organisations have praised HMRC’s decision to take a common sense approach to the use of red diesel during current and future instances of extreme cold weather.