Call for evidence on red diesel closes this month13 July 2018

A call for evidence on the use of rebated gas oil (often called red diesel) by non-road mobile machinery closes this month.

Launched in May, the government is seeking views on whether red diesel for non-road mobile machinery discourages the purchase of cleaner alternatives.

It forms part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy, which is currently out for consultation and aims to cut air pollution from all sources.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Treasury Minister Robert Jenrick met with representatives from the construction, aviation, shipping and haulage industries earlier this week as part of the call for evidence.

The government says that although it is often assumed red diesel is mainly used by the agricultural sector, 75% of it is used across other industries, including construction, mining, rail, shipping and airport support vehicles.

Coffey explains: “This week Robert Jenrick and I met industry representatives to hear what they are doing to improve air quality. With red diesel accounting for 15% of all diesel consumption in the UK, industry has a key role to play in reducing the harmful emissions. We must all play our part in looking after the environment and cleaning up our air.”

The call for evidence closes on 24 July 2018.

Anyone with an interest in red diesel is encouraged to share their views, with the government particularly interested in hearing from users, manufacturers and suppliers of non-road mobile machinery, red diesel suppliers and industries that benefit from the use of red diesel and hold data.

The government also invites environmental groups and representative bodies to submit their views.

Red diesel used for static generators, agricultural purposes, home heating use and fishing vessels is not in the scope of the call for evidence.

To find out more about the call for evidence, view the consultation document and submit evidence, click here.

Image credit: UK government/consultation document screenshot

Adam Offord

Related Companies
DEFRA
HM Treasury

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.