The winding, steep country lanes in the north of the borough might be cleared of snow a little more readily this winter.
On Friday, the Government announced it was relaxing a rule that bars farmers and agricultural workers from driving on public roads if their vehicle uses red diesel.
The dyed fuel costs significantly less than ordinary diesel, and is intended for agricultural and construction use only. Driving a vehicle fuelled by it on a public road carries a heavy fine.
The rule change could convince community-minded farmers and their workers to get out and clear the lane past the farm – making life easier for all of us, assuming, that is, we get a decent dump of snow this winter.
Hedvig Ljungerud, HMRC’s Deputy Director for Transport Taxes, said:"These changes show that HMRC recognises and responds to the needs of rural communities.
"They will now be able to call upon these versatile and readily available vehicles to maintain access during periods of heavy winter weather."
