Can Tree surgeons still use red diesel?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on May 02, 2026
Background. In 2021 the government announced that it would be removing the entitlement to use red diesel from most sectors. The change will come into effect on April 1st 2022.
Are they getting rid of red diesel?
At Budget 2020 the government announced that it was removing entitlement to use red diesel from most sectors, except for agriculture (as well as horticulture, forestry and fish farming), rail and non-commercial heating, from 1 April 2022.Who can use red diesel UK?
An agricultural vehicle defined at paragraph 3.2, may use rebated diesel only when being used for:
- purposes relating to agriculture (including aquatic farming), horticulture or forestry.
- cutting verges, hedges or trees that border public roads.
Can you mix red and white diesel?
No, it can't. It's the same as on-road diesel except for the dye. If you have a diesel engine, it can run on farm fuel. Just make sure you're using it lawfully.Why are they getting rid of red diesel?
Red diesel in the 2020 budgetThe intention behind this change is to offset the damaging environmental impact of the fossil fuel, and to encourage users to switch to more environmentally friendly alternative fuels.
Where can you get RED DIESEL & What is it
Can I still use red diesel after April 2022?
On 1 April 2022 many who use red diesel (also known as rebated fuel) to power off-road vehicles and equipment will lose the entitlement and will have to move over to white diesel.Will farmers still be allowed to use red diesel?
Can an agricultural contractor use rebated fuel? Provided a contractor is using an allowed vehicle or machine for an allowed purpose, they can continue to use red diesel driving to and from the farm, carrying materials or equipment needed for the job and removing waste resulting from the contracted work.Can police check for red diesel?
Who checks for red correct diesel usage? HMRC and the police check for illegal red diesel use by carrying out random spot checks using a dipstick test.What is the punishment for using red diesel?
What's the fine for using red diesel illegally? There isn't a fixed fine, but if you're found using it illegally, the HMRC will charge you for the restoration of your vehicle's system to clean your tank and filters to remove the marker dye. You will be charged a fee for its removal.What are the new rules for red diesel?
From 1 April it becomes illegal to put red diesel into any tank, vehicle or machine not covered by the new rules. The switch to white diesel will increase fuel costs by about 47p per litre for many businesses and organisations across the country.Can I still drive my diesel car after 2030?
Can I still buy a second-hand petrol or diesel car after 2030? Like the above, the ban only affects the sale of new vehicles, so you'll still be able to buy and sell used petrol or diesel cars after 2030. For the same reason, you'll also be able to buy and sell used hybrids after 2035, too.How much is a litre of red diesel?
According to the website, the cost of a litre of red diesel a week ago was 78.51 pence per litre – an increase of 51.92 pence per litre in the last seven days. In March 2021, the average price was around 45.52 pence per litre.What vehicles can use red diesel after April 2022?
From 1 April 2022 red diesel can only be used for the following purposes:
- for vehicles and machinery used in agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry. ...
- to propel passenger, freight or maintenance vehicles designed to run on rail tracks;