Last year’s winter was very disappointing, with little or no snow across much of the UK – and for those contractors and farmers all geared up for gritting and snow clearing, profits remained tight.

However, there is a tendency for the UK economy to grind to a halt once a few flakes of snow fall, so this service remains a vital one, and one which many communities rely on.

See also: Dissecting red diesel rules

In 2013, the law was changed in terms of red diesel, allowing users of agricultural tractors, light agricultural vehicles and agricultural material handlers to use rebated fuel in their vehicles when gritting public roads.

These changes followed an overwhelmingly positive response to a public consultation by HMRC, in which the NAAC responded, lifting previous restrictions that only allowed vehicles constructed or adapted solely for gritting roads to use red diesel.

It is important to remember, however, that while red diesel can be used when gritting and clearing on roads, white diesel is required if travelling to a venue to carry out off-road gritting or snow clearing in, for example, supermarket car parks.