Rural drivers get discount on petrol as prices rise

Since March 2012, drivers in remote island spots have had 5p a litre knocked off their petrol and diesel, with service stations able to claim the money back from the Treasury.

Earlier this year, the coalition Government announced that following EU approval, the 5p rebate was being extended from the end of May to 17 to the most remote areas on the mainland.

Around 125,000 motorists in Hawes in North Yorkshire and parts Northumberland, Cumbria, Devon, the Highlands and Argyll and Bute are eligible.

Damian Hinds, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “People living in some of the UK’s most rural areas will now benefit from a 5p per litre fuel discount thanks to the Rural Fuel Rebate, which effectively comes into force today.

“Fuel is often more expensive in very rural areas, even though cars are more of a necessity. However, people in 17 areas ranging from the Highlands to Devon will now be able to buy cheaper fuel, making travelling to work and school far easier.”

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “This is good news for tens of thousands of drivers living in the farthest reaches of the UK, but they are not alone in worrying about fuel prices. So do the rest of the country’s 37 million drivers. Oil prices have rebounded 50 per cent since the lows we saw at the start of the year and pump prices are up 9p or 10p over the same period.”