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Utility subbies use red diesel

29th October 1998
Page 7
Page 7, 29th October 1998 — Utility subbies use red diesel
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Charles Young

• South West Water is cashing in on cheap haulage by employing unlicensed farmers and agricultural contractors who fuel their tractors with red diesel.

The company's sludge manager Bob Chapman admitted last week that he uses hire or reward contractors to deliver sludge from a site in Ashford, Devon, to neighbouring fields. He claims the tractors are allowed to run on red diesel, but refused to comment on the contractors' lack of 0-licences.

The Western Traffic Area has confirmed that at least two of the contractors—Bob Snell, based in Alswear, Devon, and Newton Abbot-based Valiance T & Son—don't have 0licences. But both claim they are operating legally.

Alan McCrorie, transport manager for South West Water,

saici at first that he wasn't aware of contractors running without 0-licences and on red diesel. However, after checking with Chapman he replied that last week the company sent a letter to Customs requesting guidance about the use of red diesel. Regarding the lack of 0licences, he said: "That's something the agricultural contractors should be looking at."

The case came to light when hauliers phoned 014 after reading the investigation into a similar ease around Perth, Scotland.

One haulier says he was initially offered the work using agricultural tractors—which he also owns—but heard nothing after enquiring if he needed an 0-licence. "I don't think it's right," he says. "What's the point of us spending £2,500 on tax when the farmers can do it for a fraction of that?"

TI See also Legal News, page 27.


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