The use of red diesel in tractors and certain ride-on equipment, previously lawful on public highways while carrying out recreational or amenity grounds work or landscaping, is no longer so. The Institute of Groundsmanship is warning its members that using this fuel on the roads is illegal.

This follows changes to 2007/93 The Excepted Vehicles(Amendment of Schedule 1 to the Hydrocarbon Oils Duty Act 1979) Order 2007, in which it specifies that vehicles not entitled to the use of red diesel on public roads include those involved in the maintenance of recreational facilities and landscaping.

Those caught offending can be fined £250.

According to the IOG, the term ‘recreation’ is not fully defined by HM Revenue and Customs, but a farmer using his tractor to mow a rugby pitch and travelling on the road fuelled by red diesel has already been fined.

The entitlement to the use of red diesel – or rebated gas oil – is restricted to the use of agricultural vehicles engaged in agricultural, horticultural and forestry operations on the owner’s land or by his contractor when using tractors, materials handling vehicles, or other light vehicles not exceeding 1,000 kgs and constructed to seat only the driver.

In addition, agricultural handlers may also use red diesel while cutting verges bordering public roads, and cutting trees and hedges bordering public roads.

If you need to clarify your usage of the fuel call HM Revenue and Customs on 0845 010 9000.