Bob Parkinson, of Unite, who is vice-chairman of staff side of the North West Ambulance Service, wants the Government to widen the use of cut-price red diesel to include emergency vehicles.

He is worried that the soaring cost of fuel is beginning to hit budgets and it could even mean lives being lost as corners are cut.

At present only agricultural vehicles, gritters and road repair vehicles are allowed to use red diesel – or rebated heavy oil – which is taxed at a much lower rate than fully duty-paid fuels.

The only difference between the two is the dye put in to distinguish the two.

Mr Parkinson, a paramedic at Walmer Bridge ambulance station, said: "The cost of fuel must be putting pressure on budgets. I would like to see the Government agreeing to allow all the emergency services to use red diesel, which does not attract the same level of taxation.

Then the money which is saved through tax could go back into patient care."

A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service refused to be committed on the subject of red diesel.

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