The move removes a key roadblock to the wider rollout of hydrogen-powered construction kit, giving a huge boost to JCB’s £100m drive to develop zero-emission hydrogen engines.

Milestone moment for the use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel in construction

Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that hydrogen-fuelled non-road mobile machinery are now legally allowed to travel on the public highway.

She said: “Today shows once again we are on the side of British business, as we now allow hydrogen-powered diggers and tractors to be legally driven on UK roads for the first time.”

JCB hailed the decision as a “historic” moment.

Chairman Anthony Bamford said: “The JCB team has done amazing work to develop a hydrogen combustion engine. It is simple to use, performs as well as diesel and has been resoundingly backed by customers. We now have the legislation that allows hydrogen-powered machines to drive on the road between sites.”

The rule change involved an amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, signed off by Greenwood earlier this month.

JCB has already trialled hydrogen-powered backhoe loaders, Loadalls and generators on sites near Birmingham and is now testing kit with rental firms and top-tier contractors.