New dye a 'major step forward in the battle against fuel fraudsters'

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: "The development of a new dye for tax-rebated red diesel and a mobile check to detect its illegal use is a major step forward in the battle against fuel fraudsters.

"Everyone should have to buy legitimate fuel from reputable sources and no one should escape paying duty, other than those the discounted fuel is intended for in the agricultural sector.

"Too much revenue has been lost to date from this illicit practice so this move should help to ensure everyone driving a road vehicle pays their fair share of duty.

"The environment should also be better off as this will hopefully put an end to the illegal dumping of hazardous chemicals used to remove the previous dye."