The association had issued guidance to its members ahead of the new legislation on 1st April, which will remove the construction sector’s entitlement to use red diesel and rebated biodiesel. But with the escalating situation in Ukraine, it is now calling on the government to delay the implementation of that legislation.

Scottish Plant Owners Association president Callum Mackintosh said: “The removal of the construction sector’s entitlement to use red diesel and rebated biodiesel is, I believe, the first in a series of major changes that will affect our industry and environment forever. Whilst we are doing everything we can to support members to prepare for this major change, I do think that the government should revise its plan based on the escalating situation in Ukraine.

“Fuel prices have shot up in the last few days to as much as £1.50+VAT (£1.80) per litre for white diesel in some parts of the UK. This is another hammer blow to the plant industry. We simply cannot sustain this gross inflation of fuel price and the industry urgently needs a delay on the implementation date of 1st April. The SPOA has, therefore, written to the chancellor of the exchequer calling for a delay.”

The guidance, issued to members and published on the trade association’s website, has been written in collaboration with HM Revenue & Customs and takes members through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the changes.

SPOA said that what plant owners and operators need to know at a glance is that:

• Businesses that currently use red diesel but will no longer be entitled to after 1st April so should plan to run down the fuel in their vehicles and machines and use up existing stocks being held in storage by this date.
• After 1st April  businesses should always check what fuel is in the tank before starting operation. This can often be done visually at the water separator. If red diesel is found, businesses should not use the plant or equipment until they have flushed the tank and refilled with the correct fuel, and evidence should be kept proving that this was done.
• Businesses should ensure they have the following documents if HMRC has to assess whether plant or equipment was filled with the correct fuel: receipts or invoices for the purchase of fuel, contracts for the hire of plant or equipment, run plans and timesheets of drivers/operators.

Rebated fuel will only be allowed for use in vehicles and machines used for certain defined agriculture, horticulture or forestry purposes.

HMRC does not permit any ‘dual tank’ fuel system that allows a vehicle/machine to swap between rebated and unrebated fuel.

The SPOA guidance also contains detailed information including an analysis of alternative fuels.

Mackintosh added: “This guidance has been issued to our members and it is available to download on our website. I would urge members, and indeed non-members, to take the time to read it. For example, there is a lot of guidance on measures you can take to help prevent fuel theft, a very big concern for the industry. SPOA is here to help, and we are happy to answer any questions.

“Regardless of a delay to the implementation of the legislation, the removal of red diesel entitlement should act as a driver for SPOA members and the entire industry to operate more efficiently and effectively, to consider alternative fuels, consider our impact on the environment and the future of our industry. It might even be the catalyst we need to raise our own pricing. The alternatively fuelled equipment of the very near future will cost more – anything between 15% to 200% – so something needs to change.”

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