The scheme will allow 125,000 people living in the selected areas to benefit from cheaper fuel in line with those living on some of the UK’s most rural islands.

The move follows a year-long EU approvals process and is the first time ever that the EU has approved this fuel discount anywhere in mainland Europe.

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

The 17 areas that will benefit from the price cut are:

IV54 (Highland – Scotland)

IV26 (Highland – Scotland)

IV27 (Highland – Scotland)

NE48 (Northumberland – England)

PH41 (Highland – Scotland)

KW12 (Highland – Scotland)

PA80 (Argyll and Bute – Scotland)

PH36 (Highland – Scotland)

IV22 (Highland – Scotland)

PA38 (Argyll and Bute – Scotland)

PH23 (Highland – Scotland)

PH19 (Highland – Scotland)

IV21 (Highland – Scotland)

LA17 (Cumbria – England)

EX35 (Devon – England)

IV14 (Highland – Scotland)

Hawes (North Yorkshire – England)