UK sailors- Use red diesel, but cross the Channel at your peril
by Des Ryan on 22 Feb 2012
Red Diesel SW
The British Government has issued new rules for the use of red diesel on private boats. From 1st April there must be a guarantee that the fuel will only be used within UK waters.
The full statement from Economic Secretary to the Treasury Chloe Smith MP said: 'I am today announcing that from 1st April 2012 the use of red diesel to propel private pleasure craft will be allowed only within United Kingdom waters.
'From 1st April anyone purchasing red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft will be required to make a declaration that the fuel will be used only within UK waters.
'The declaration will include an acknowledgement that the UK procedures do not affect any restrictions or prohibitions under the national laws of other European Member States regarding fuel used for propelling private pleasure craft.
'These changes are being made following a challenge by the European Commission to the UK practice of allowing marked red diesel with full duty paid in private pleasure craft.
The changes announced today will ensure that red diesel can continue to be used in UK coastal waters and on the UK's inland waterways in accordance with current procedures to the benefit of suppliers and users.
'HMRC have published the draft legislation on the HMRC website today.' To see it go to www.hmrc.gov.uk
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