Representatives from the aviation, shipping, haulage and construction industries met with Environment Minister Therese Coffey and Treasury Minister Robert Jenrick as part of the Government’s call for evidence on red diesel.
Launched in May, the call for evidence is seeking views on whether red diesel for non-road mobile machinery – such as diggers and dump trucks – discourages the purchase of cleaner alternatives.
The call doesn’t currently involve vehicles used for agricultural purposes but it’s likely any decisions made could spark further discussions on the topic.
It forms part of the government’s world-leading Clean Air Strategy – currently out for consultation – which aims to cut air pollution from all sources.
The issue, according to the Government, is that red diesel gets different tax treatment than the diesel used in cars and vans. However, it still produces the same nitrogen dioxide, a toxic gas that inflames the lining of the lungs.
15% of diesel consumption
Environment Minister Therese Coffey said: 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.
Although it is often thought red diesel is mainly used in the agricultural sector, 75% of it is used across a range of other industries, including rail, shipping and in construction, mining and airport support vehicles.
It also costs the public purse £2.4 billion each year, compared to if duty was charged at the main rate.
The call for evidence closes on July 24, 2018.
