The local government and transport committee has asked the Scottish Executive to investigate the feasibility of introducing a dual-fuel system that could save Scottish forestry hauliers almost £3m a year.
ConFor, which made a written submission to the committee, says a UK-wide scheme, which involves hauliers using red diesel on forest roads and normal fuel on public roads, could deliver savings of £5m a year and also allow harvesting of forests currently considered as economically unviable.
The savings stem from red diesel (used in agricultural, refrigeration equipment and domestic heating) enjoying a duty of only 6.44p per litre compared to 47.1p per litre for normal diesel.
“The Confederation of Forest Industries in its written evidence makes a persuasive case for extending this concession to lorries operating on forest roads,” a committee statement said.
The committee, which is conducting a report on the Inquiry Into Freight Transport In Scotland, said vehicle running costs are estimated to be five times higher for in-forest roads, while in other countries dual-fuel systems were already operating. However, it admitted enforcement of such a system could be problematic.
“We are delighted that the committee has taken on board what we had to say and we will do all we can to persuade the executive to act on the recommendation,” said ConFor chief executive David Crichton.
He said ConFor would pursue its dual-fuel system campaign at the Welsh Assembly, in Northern Ireland and at Westminster, which ultimately holds the decision-making power.
