Motorists are experiencing major disruption on the motorway network, with protesters driving slowly on several busy motorways. Members of campaign group FairFuelUK say they are calling for a new cut in fuel duty.
One protest was taking place on the M4 at the Welsh border. Gwent Police said: “We are seeing significant delays both east and westbound on the Prince of Wales Bridge due to the planned protest. We are seeking to return traffic to normal as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police said two slow-moving roadblocks in the force area have a potential to cause disruption – one on the M4 westbound, travelling from junction 17 towards Wales, and another on the M5 northbound, due to travel from junction 24 towards Almondsbury Interchange later. And Devon and Cornwall Police tweeted: “We are aware of a go-slow protest having commenced at 7:10am from Exeter Services heading northbound.”
Read more: List of road closures and roadworks in the North East this week
In Lincolnshire, police blocked junction one between the M180 and M18 forcing protesters to remain on the M180. Essex Police said they are also aware of a planned protest and will work to “minimise disruption to the public on the county’s main roads”.
The protests are understood to have been organised via social media under the banner Fuel Price Stand Against Tax. Among those gathering at Magor services, near Caldicot, was Vicky Stamper, 41.
The former HGV driver, from Cwmbran, said she and her partner Darren had to leave jobs in Bristol because they could not afford the fuel any longer. She said: “We had to leave those jobs because it was costing us £380 a week just to get to and from work. I then lost a job two weeks ago because the company couldn’t afford to put fuel in that many lorries so last in, first out.”
She said the situation has taken an emotional toll on her and her family. Talking about the disruption the protest will cause to drivers, Ms Stamper added: “We’re doing this for us and for them. If they want to have a moan, they should join us instead.” Asked what she would ask Prime Minister Boris Johnson to do, she said: “Resign.”
Read Next:
New driving laws: Major changes to be introduced in July affecting UK drivers
Petrol station staff report surge in verbal abuse over high fuel prices as costs soar
Fuel thefts soar to record levels as forecourt prices keep on rising
Gosforth school to become second in Newcastle to ban cars outside its gates this summer
Metros to be off between St James and Tynemouth for two weeks for major bridge work
