Red diesel checks for car drivers

Date published: 15 October 2007

Customs officers are cracking down on illegal fuel use after recent spot checks found one in five drivers challenged were using rebated fuels.

Officers will be stopping more cars in Greater Manchester over the coming weeks.

They will be checking that red diesel fuel, which is produced for agriculture and construction vehicles, is not being used by car drivers.

Drivers stopped at filling stations may have their fuel checked by officers.

Red diesel is much cheaper than white diesel as it carries a reduced rate of tax.

It contains a red dye and chemical markers, which makes it easier to detect.

All off-road vehicles are allowed to use the fuel, but only vehicles such as agricultural tractors, combine harvesters, and materials' handlers are entitled to use it on public highways.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) National Oils Strategy Manager, Colin McAllister, said: "With a price difference of around 65p a litre between red and white diesels, many see this as an opportunity to save money.

"However those using rebated fuels illegally are abusing a tax system, which is there to support and reduce the burden on UK industries such as agriculture."