HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has unveiled new roadside fuel-testing equipment to tackle the trade in illicit diesel.
The hi-tech equipment has been introduced to allow officers to test vehicles at the roadside for the presence of the new fuel marker, which was introduced into supplies intended for use in agriculture and construction industries in April. The new marker is resistant to laundering techniques known to be used by criminal gangs, improving HMRC’s capability to detect fraud.
Previously, the test for the new marker was completed at a laboratory, leading to a delay in identifying illicit fuel and further action being taken.
The new equipment will now be installed in 49 HMRC Road Fuel Testing Unit vehicles throughout the UK and used to analyse fuel samples taken at the roadside and at retail premises.
Exchequer secretary to the Treasury, Damian Hinds, said: “At a time when the government’s priority is cutting the deficit, it is unacceptable that criminals are cheating the system.
“The new marker and testing equipment are part of the significant investment we have made in HMRC to tackle avoidance, evasion and fraud to make sure all businesses and individuals contribute to the tax revenue that is used to fund vital public services.”
The government will monitor the success of the marker during the first six months, to make sure it is delivering results. HMRC will publish an evaluation in the autumn.
