Wednesday 19th May 2004

Seeing Red

HMCE in red diesel clampdown in the valleys

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Customs and Excise officers have seized seven vehicles running illegally on red diesel during an oils fraud investigation in the Heads of the Valleys area of south Wales.

Richard Welsford, Senior Business Manager for Customs in Wales, said: "This operation shows that Customs is serious about tackling the UK black market in red diesel, and committed to cracking down on those who use it illegally. Motorist s need to be aware of the real cost of buying cheap diesel. It puts legitimate filling stations out of business, puts honest motorist s at a disadvantage, and robs public services of funding ."

As part of a joint exercise with South Wales Police, customs officers stopped the drivers of 297 vehicles at Rhymney and Tredegar. Seven of these were found to have red diesel in their fuel tanks. The vehicles were restored on payment of a penalty. The combined penalties for the seven vehicles totalled £3,500.

Red diesel is normal road diesel that has a rebated level of duty primarily for use in farm vehicles. Red dye is added to distinguish its limited use.

[cacatous]

What a load of tosh. The government are the ones scamming us so they can get stuffed.

Preventing public spending. Good! Maybe they won't be able to afford any more speed cameras!!