Fuel protest - live: 13 arrested for ‘driving too slowly’ after major UK roads targeted
At least 13 protesters have been arrested for driving too slowly during road blocks demonstrating against high fuel prices.
Police said there had been a legal minimum speed limit in place, but a number of drivers had been caught breaching this.
Twelve were arrested in south Wales, while one driver was arrested in Devon after previously being warned about driving too slowly.
Convoys of protesters drove slowly on purpose on fast-moving roads in a call for fuel duty to be slashed on Monday.
The demonstrations affected stretches of the M4 and M5, as well as main roads in Essex, Devon, York and Shropshire.
A bridge between England and Wales was temporarily closed due to disruption caused by the protest, while other drivers faced delays due to the convoys.
It came a day after the cost of petrol hit a new record, with the average litre price spiking at 191.5p on Sunday.
Key Points
Thirteen arrests for ‘going too slowly’ in protests
Police faced ‘challenges’ over A38 protest
Protests takes place across UK including Welsh border, Essex and Devon
Petrol hits another new record high as drivers block motorways
19:51 , Andy Gregory
We’re closing the blog for this evening, thanks for following here.
You can click these links for more UK news, The Independent‘s latest travel updates, and our most recent output on UK politics.
Or else keep scrolling to read about the day’s events, as we reported them.
04:35 , Stuti Mishra
Good morning! Welcome to The Independent’s live blog with all the latest updates as protesters across the UK prepare to block motorways in a demonstration over high fuel prices. Stay tuned!
Police urge drivers to stay at home ahead of the protests
04:47 , Stuti Mishra
Drivers are advised to reconsider their journeys and remain at home if possible as major roads in various parts of the country face traffic jams on Monday amid demonstrations calling for a cut in fuel duty.
Protests will target mainly three-lane motorways and see slow-downs on two lanes, leaving the fast lane free, according to FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox.
Read more:
Police urge drivers to stay at home as fuel price protests to block major roads
Demonstrators ‘have reached the end of their tethers’, says FairFuel founder
05:05 , Stuti Mishra
FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox says his organisation is not involved in the action, but he is "fully supportive" of the demonstrations so long as they are conducted legally.
Mr Cox told the PA news agency: "I totally support their protest because people have reached the end of their tethers at the moment."
He said other countries had cut fuel duty by more than the UK and asked "why the hell are we not doing it here?"
Mr Cox called for a cut of at least 20p, and warned that protests will continue if not.
He said: "There is an appetite (for such protest). If the Government don't actually deliver on this, I think there's going to be some serious escalation of protests."
Organisers to block the Prince of Wales Bridge and other major highways
05:20 , Stuti Mishra
Gwent Police says protests are expected to take place on the major road networks between 7am and 7pm on Monday.
They said organisers had indicated an intention to block the Prince of Wales Bridge, with the protest starting on the M4 at Magor services, junction 23A eastbound, and junction 20 of the M4 westbound.
Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said he would encourage drivers to reconsider their journey, consider working from home and avoid the area where possible.
Bristol Airport advised travellers to allow extra time for their journeys.
“The protest will likely affect the M5, M4 and the two crossings to Wales. Please allow extra time if travelling to or from the airport.”
Gloucestershire Police said protests are likely to affect the A48, causing travel disruption in the Gloucester and Forest of Dean areas.
'People's day-to-day lives should not be disrupted,' says government
05:45 , Stuti Mishra
Reacting to the protests, a government spokesperson said: "While we respect the right to protest, people's day-to-day lives should not be disrupted, especially on busy motorways where lives are put at risk and resulting traffic delays will only add to fuel use.
"The new Public Order Bill will make it a criminal offence to glue yourself to a dangerous motorway, which sees police spending hours trying to safely remove people."
UK fuel prices touched record high last week
06:10 , Stuti Mishra
The protests scheduled to begin this morning were organised on social media as a result of the outrage sparked by record fuel prices last week.
Figures from data firm Experian show the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts reached a new high of 191.4p on Thursday, while diesel rose to 199.1p.
Fuel prices have risen sharply because the price for crude oil, used to make petrol and diesel, has gone up.
Welsh roads normal so far
07:33 , Zoe Tidman
Traffic Wales has just said there have been no issues along its network so far this morning.
The Prince of Wales bridge crossing between England and Wales is expected to be hit by protests today:
Bore da from the Traffic Wales team👋
No issues on the network to report so far🚘
Expect congestion in the usual areas as the day goes on.
Need our advice or support? We're here until 7pm⤵
📞 0300 123 1213
📧 contact@traffic.wales
🐦@TrafficWalesS pic.twitter.com/1GWO0JLldG— Traffic Wales South (@TrafficWalesS) July 4, 2022
Protests now underway
07:53 , Zoe Tidman
It looks like protests are now underway.
Avon and Somerset Police says it is dealing with a “slow-moving rolling roadblock” on the M4:
A slow-moving rolling roadblock is underway on the M4. A number of vehicles will head east over the Prince of Wales Bridge and expected to exit the M4 at J22 (Pilning). There they plan to re-join westbound towards Wales.
A similar protest from the England side is also expected.— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 4, 2022
Devon and Cornwall Police has also provided updates on the movements of protesters:
We are aware of a go-slow protest having commenced at 7:10am from Exeter Services heading northbound.
This is currently around a dozen vehicles in size and is being accompanied by police vehicles to ensure the safety of all road users. 1/2— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) July 4, 2022
‘It was costing us nearly £400 a month just to get to work,’ former HGV driver says
08:00 , Zoe Tidman
A former HGV driver due to take part in today’s protest has spoken to Good Morning Britain.
“We both had to leave work in Bristol because we just simply couldn’t afford to do it anymore,” Vicky Stamper said.
“It was costing us nearly £400 a month just to get to work.”
See from 1 minute in:
Motorists could face major disruption this morning amid widespread protests at rising petrol and diesel costs and calls for a cut in fuel duty.
Protesters are planning to target motorways and police have warned of major and serious disruption. pic.twitter.com/R4tGfhjgTt— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 4, 2022
Protest also underway in Wales
08:03 , Zoe Tidman
Protesters have left the M4 Magor services near Caldicot in South Wales.
Police have told the convoy of around 20 vehicles they cannot stop and must drive no slower than 30mph.
They are due to head across the Prince of Wales bridge crossing the River Severn into England.
Some protesters have said they intend to meet in the middle and block the motorway.
PA
M4 ‘brought to standstill'
08:18 , Zoe Tidman
For a few minutes both carriageways of the M4 approaching the M4 Prince of Wales Severn Bridge crossing were brought to a standstill by go-slow protests travelling east and west.
Two police motorcyclists rode in front of four vehicles travelling at around 30mph from the Bristol area towards South Wales.
There was a marked police patrol car behind the protestors, followed by dozens of queuing motorists.
A larger convoy of protestors drove over the Severn crossing heading into England from Wales with a large backlog of traffic following behind.
PA
‘It’s costing me £300 a week before I even get to work and earn anything,’ protester says
08:23 , Zoe Tidman
Mobile welder Richard Dite, 44, from Maesteg, South Wales said it is costing him over £300 in fuel to get to work every week due to price hikes.
“It’s costing me £300 a week before I even get to work and earn anything,” Mr Dite told PA news agency.
“My only option soon will be to put the welding gear in the shed and call it a day, maybe go on the doll. Face it at this rate I’ll be on more that way.”
He was joined at Magor Service Station with around a dozen or more other people who have driven this morning across the Prince of Wales Bridge in protest of fuel tax.
PA
Convoy drives across England-Wales bridge with police escort
08:39 , Zoe Tidman
Images show the go-slow convoy driving across the Prince of Wales bridge during this morning’s rush hour.
It was escorted by police:
Traffic ‘moving slowly’ on Prince of Wales bridge
08:49 , Zoe Tidman
Police say westbound traffic is “moving slowly” on the Prince of Wales bridge amid the protest:
There are delays on the M4 eastbound at the moment around the Bath area due to a a roadblock protest. However, traffic is still moving at this time.
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 4, 2022
‘Significant delays’ on Prince of Wales bridge
09:02 , Zoe Tidman
Chief Superintendent Tom Harding, of 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.”
A38 protest
09:13 , Zoe Tidman
Devon and Cornwall Police say there is another protest going on along the A38, as well as the M5:
Officers also at the scene of a go-slow protest on the A38 heading northbound from Ivybridge. Traffic is backing up and we continue to attempt to engage with organisers to reduce the impact on road users.
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) July 4, 2022
Protesters ‘going 11mph on M4'
09:22 , Zoe Tidman
Protesters are reportedly ignoring a police order to go no slower than 30mph on the M4.
A WalesOnline reporter, who is in a passenger seat, says the convoy is down to 11mph:
Convoy is down to 11mph near Tormarton. There’s a long line of traffic behind us. pic.twitter.com/LP3nZkqGKR
— Conor Gogarty (@ConorGogarty) July 4, 2022
Another slow-moving convoy sets off along M5
09:37 , Zoe Tidman
Another slow-moving roadblock has set off along the M5 northbound, according to police.
It started at services in Bridgewater:
A slow-moving rolling roadblock has set off northbound from J24 Bridgwater Gateway services on the M5.
A number of motorists are planning to drive north and exit the at the M4 Almondsbury Interchange. We are told they will then head down the M32 and exit at J1.— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 4, 2022
Rising fuel prices
09:56 , Zoe Tidman
The protests are over fuel prices, which are soaring in the UK.
Here is Ben Chapman, our business reporter, on the situation last week:
Drivers ‘taken for fools’ as fuel prices rise for 38th day in a row
Update on the M5 northbound convoy
10:18 , Zoe Tidman
The moving roadblock protest has passed M5 J20 (Clevedon) and is continuing northbound at approximately 25mph.
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 4, 2022
Petrol prices reach new high
10:25 , Zoe Tidman
The average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts reached a new high of 191.5p on Sunday, according to data firm Experian.
The average price of diesel was 199.0p per litre.
PA
BREAKING: Petrol hits another new record high of 191.5p as drivers block motorways
10:30 , Zoe Tidman
Petrol hits another new record high of 191.5p as drivers block motorways
Prince of Wales bridge shut eastbound
10:43 , Zoe Tidman
Police say the bridge has been closed in the eastbound direction amid the protest:
⛔‼️ Please be aware, eastbound on the Prince of Wales bridge remains closed at this time. Diversions are in place, directing drivers to the M48 bridge.
We are seeking to return traffic to normal as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/pLkbCTi3y4— Gwent Police (@gwentpolice) July 4, 2022
Prince of Wales bridge protest stopped westbound
10:51 , Zoe Tidman
Police have stopped the rolling protest on the westbound carriageway before the crossing, according to PA agency.
Petrol station protest in Somerset
10:54 , Zoe Tidman
There is now a protest underway at a petrol station in a Somerset town:
A protest is underway at the Tesco petrol station in Shepton Mallet. @ASPMendip officers are engaging with the organisers.
We do not believe any other petrol stations are affected at this time.— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 4, 2022
Gwent Police say ‘driving offences’ taking place during protest
10:58 , Zoe Tidman
Gwent Police warned protesters that it was aware of “driving offences” being committed during the fuel protest.
“We are aware of driving offences being committed during the planned protest on the M4,” a spokesperson said.
“We are committed to increasing the safety of all road users in Gwent and beyond.
“We urge all motorists to drive carefully, responsibly and within the limits of the law.”
PA
One driver arrested by Devon and Cornwall police
11:15 , Zoe Tidman
Devon and Cornwall Police say there was “unsafe driving” during the A38 protest, with vehicles travelling at a “dangerously low speed”.
“One driver ignored a previous warning and has now been arrested,” the force said.
The M5 protest has also finished, it added.
M5 protest have now completed, safely.
Unfortunately we have had unsafe driving on the A38 including vehicles travelling at a dangerously low speed.
One driver ignored a previous warning and has now been arrested.
Officers remain on our roads monitoring these protests.— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) July 4, 2022
Where else are people protesting?
11:18 , Zoe Tidman
The Prince of Wales bridge M4 protest appears to be causing the most disruption so far today.
There are also protest going on in other parts of the country, including along the M5 around Devon, Shropshire and Essex.
Over in West Yorkshire, police said a “small group” of motorists had gathered in the vicinity of Ferrybridge services but were not causing any disruption so far.
Protest in York
11:31 , Zoe Tidman
Police said the protest near Ferrybridge services in Yorkshire has cleared but there was a go-slow by campaigners on the A64 in the York area.
“We’re working closely with local and regional partner agencies to minimise disruption,” North Yorkshire Police said.
“We have additional officers and support in place to ensure protest activity is lawful and disruption is kept to a minimum.”
PA
And over in Shropshire...
11:46 , Zoe Tidman
Fuel price campaigners have held a protest on the M5 in Shropshire.
West Mercia Police officers were in attendance as protesters travelled in slow convoy on the motorway between J1 and J4 from 7am until around 8.30am.
“Unfortunately the tactics used by some protesters today compromised the safety of other road users,” a force spokesman said.
“Officers gathered evidence during the event and we will take action against those who committed road traffic offences.
“The ability to protest is a fundamental part of democracy, however, when protests start to endanger the public and put the safety of others at risk, appropriate and proportionate action will be taken.”
PA
At least eight arrested near Prince of Wales crossing
11:57 , Zoe Tidman
On the westbound carriageway of the M4 near to the Prince of Wales crossing uniformed police officers were arresting eight fuel price protesters who had been driving vehicles.
A PA news agency reporter at the scene said they were being arrested for driving slower than the agreed 30mph speed limit.
It is understood that protesters who had blocked the eastbound carriageway of the Severn crossing were also being arrested.
Protesters ‘cause chaos’ on Essex main road
12:16 , Zoe Tidman
Protesters have also taken to the A12 in Colchester today:
A group of motorists are staging a "go-slow" on the A12 this morning in protest over rising fuel prices.
The vehicles joined the A12 at the Colchester United stadium and are heading southbound.
More on BBC Essex this morning: https://t.co/sdlOwQrqb4 pic.twitter.com/EfJk1P2MhV— BBC Essex (@BBCEssex) July 4, 2022
The demonstration caused “chaos” and queues of up to 10 miles this morning, according to local media.
12 hours of travel chaos?
12:23 , Zoe Tidman
The travel chaos could last for up to 12 hours in some parts of the country.
Gwent Police said protests are expected to take place on the road network between 7am and 7pm on Monday.
Why are fuel protesters blocking roads?
12:33 , Zoe Tidman
Fuel activists blocking motorways across the UK in protest against the price of petrol have revealed soaring costs have forced them out of jobs.
“We had to leave those jobs because it was costing us £380 a week just to get to and from work,” one woman said about herself and her partner.
Read more here:
Fuel protesters blocking motorways ‘forced to give up jobs because of price hikes’
No arrests over M5 protest starting at Bridgwater
12:52 , Zoe Tidman
Avon and Somerset Police have told The Independent there were no arrests made over the slow-moving protest that started at Bridgwater on the M5.
13:08 , Zoe Tidman
Protesters have been seen displaying signs as they slowed down traffic on the A64 in York.
Police confirmed this go-slow protest was happening just before 11am on Monday.
A number of cars were seen driving slowly along one side of the main road, while the opposite side was largely empty.
“Fuel crisis go slow,” one held out of a car window said.
Another man poked his head out the window and gave a thumbs up.
M4 protesters say arrested drivers ‘unfairly’ targeted
13:26 , Zoe Tidman
A number of the M4 protesters have said they believe those who were arrested have been “unfairly” targeted by Gwent Police and Avon and Somerset Police.
Drivers of the vehicles conducting a rolling roadblock on the motorway from Magor Services, South Wales, this morning were arrested for a public order offence, breaching the rules requiring them to drive at a speed of 30mph or more.
Passengers of some of the vehicles, who were driven back to the service station in a police van just before midday, said some of the motorists were unable to drive any faster due to the demonstrators leading the convoy driving at about 10-15mph.
PA
What happened at the Ferrybridge protest?
13:46 , Zoe Tidman
West Yorkshire Police has explained what happened at Ferrybridge service station earlier today.
Officers were seen talking to drivers ready to kick off their slow-moving convoy. They had closed off the junction and put down a police stinger.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson has now said in a statement:
“Police engaged with the small number of protestors who attended at Ferrybridge services on Monday morning to explore possible ways in which they could peacefully demonstrate without negatively affecting the wider public.
“It was clear the proposed ‘go slow’ protest on the network would potentially have caused significant gridlock across the North of England.
“Officers took action to avoid the disruption and ensure the wider safety of protestors and road users.
“The force is committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders including those who wish to lawfully demonstrate, and is happy to discuss matters with them going forwards.”
M5 protest ‘safe and legal’ but ‘challenges’ over A38 one, Devon and Cornwall police say
14:05 , Zoe Tidman
Devon and Cornwall Police have also released a statement on protests in their area, saying M5 ones took place in a “safe and legal manner” but there were “some challenges” with the A38 one.
Superintendent Adrian Leisk said the motorway protest - which went in both directions between Junctions 27 and 28 - lasted for a few hours and ended around 11am.
With the A38 protest, there were reports of “excessively slow speeds” leading to “cars braking suddenly and potentially causing a serious issue on our roads”.
“Officers escorted three vehicles off the road near Buckfastleigh. These drivers were given formal warnings and were advised over acceptable parameters of their protests, including a minimum speed and leaving lanes clear,” he said.
“They were informed that any breach of these directions would lead to an arrest. At around 10.45am we received further reports of unsafe driving on the A38 near Ivybridge.
“One road user, a man in his 50s, ignored the previous warning given to him and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of breach of the Public Order Act and taken into police custody.”
Thirteen arrests for ‘going too slowly’ in protests
14:22 , Zoe Tidman
Gwent Police says it has arrested 12 people in connection with the protest along the M4.
It said there had been a legal notice in place banning demonstrators from driving below 30mph.
“The moving protest started at around 7.00am this morning, at 8.30am four people were arrested with another eight people arrested at around 10.45am,” its statement said.
“All twelve people were arrested for breaching the legal notice by driving at under 30 mph for a prolonged amount of time.”
Over in Devon, police arrested one person for going too slowly after previously being warned.
Insulate Britain shows support
14:39 , Zoe Tidman
Insulate Britain said it supported the M4 protest today:
When people are pushed to the limit, they will respond.
Ordinary people are being made to pay more and more whilst oil companies get richer and our government helps them to do it.
We support the #M4 go slow.#goslow #FuelProtest https://t.co/YZvsHwKCon— Insulate Britain (@InsulateLove) July 4, 2022
M5 southbound convoy exits motorway
14:59 , Zoe Tidman
A southbound 30mph convoy on the M5 has now exited at Taunton, according to police.
This had been causing delays along the motorway:
The rolling roadblock that was heading southbound on the M5 has exited at J25 (Taunton).
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 4, 2022
Where are other convoys at now?
15:18 , Zoe Tidman
Gwent Police have confirmed to The Independent the protest in their area - the one which crossed the Prince of Wales bridge - has now finished.
The A64 York convoy has also left the area, according to police:
@NYorksPolice
There were no reported issues on the #A64 in #York. Those involved in the 'go-slow' protest activity have left the area
Thank you@HighwaysYorks @CityofYork @northyorkscc @SelbyDC @YorksAmbulance @NorthYorksFire— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) July 4, 2022
Frustrated drivers get out cars to play football
15:46 , Zoe Tidman
Frustrated drivers stuck in traffic got out of their cars to play football on the motorway after getting caught up in a fuel protest earlier today.
A video shows a group of three men kicking a football between them on the opposite carriageway of the M4, Thomas Kingsley reports:
Frustrated drivers stuck on motorway get out to play football
Have people been protesting in Scotland?
16:31 , Andy Gregory
People have also been protesting fuel prices in Scotland, with two tractors reported to have slowed traffic to block both lanes on the A92 this morning, causing miles of tailbacks on the Aberdeen to Stonehaven road.
Officers from Police Scotland 's road policing division confirmed that two cars were stopped by officers during a protest near Newbridge in Edinburgh on the M8, Scotland’s busiest motorway, the Daily Record reported.
Others brought disruption on the A9 near Inverness, causing long tailbacks, according to the Press and Journal.
These are the tractors which have been holding up traffic heading into Aberdeen on the A92 this morning as part of fuel price protests across the UK. pic.twitter.com/e7GLIAopy4
— Northsound News (@northsoundnews) July 4, 2022
Road Policing chief inspector Lorraine Napier said in a widely reported statement that police were “aware of protests on motorways and trunk roads in Scotland on Monday”, adding: “We urge all road users to drive within the speed limits and at an appropriate speed for the road conditions to encourage safe and responsible road use for all.
“Nevertheless, drivers should be aware that journey times could be longer than normal, especially on motorways and trunk roads, and make travel plans accordingly.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation that puts our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights at the heart of everything we do. This means that we will protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest balanced against the rights of the wider community.”
‘Real problem’ with fuel prices is ‘profiteering by firms’, economist says
17:06 , Andy Gregory
Suggesting that the protests today – with a focus on fuel duty – were “bound to happen”, the director of the Progressive Economy Forum has warned that “the real problem with fuel prices is profiteering by fuel companies”.
“There is an alliance to be found between motorists and environmentalists if oil company profits are made the question,” tweeted James Meadway, a former economic advisor to Corbyn-era Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell.
New protest reported near Middlesbrough
17:46 , Andy Gregory
There are reports of a fresh protest taking place near Middlesbrough.
Delays in both directions of the A174 are expected while a rolling road block, which began at 4:30pm, is carried out between Ormesby and the A19, Teesside Live reported, citing the traffic site Inrix.
Local radio stations including Heart and Capital reported the same, publishing a snippet from an alleged organiser saying: “We all need to stand together and send a message to the government that we’re not standing for the fuel rises – everything’s going up but our wages are staying the same.
The man said he did not want the protests to cause “too much disruption, but enough disruption to be heard”, adding: “Commuters need to understand we are all in the same boat, we’re all struggling with fuel rises ... and if people don’t protest nothing will change.”
TRAVEL: We're being warned of delays due to a rolling road block on the A174 both ways between #Ormesby and the A19 at #Stainton. It's part of protests across the country at rising fuel costs. Kieran from #Redcar told #HeartNews why he's organised one in the North East ⤵ pic.twitter.com/AK9P7J09ix
— Heart NE News (@HeartNENews) July 4, 2022
‘Something needs to be done’: Arrested protesters describe impact of rising fuel costs
18:17 , Andy Gregory
Among those arrested in the protests this morning was former HGV driver from Vicky Stamper, a 41-year-old from Cwmbran who said she and her partner Darren had to give up jobs in Bristol because they could no longer afford the fuel.
“We had to leave those jobs because it was costing us £380 a week just to get to and from work,” she told the PA news agency. “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.”
Talking before the protest about the disruption it would cause to drivers, Ms Stamper said: “We’re doing this for us and for them. If they want to have a moan, they should join us instead.”
Mobile welder Richard Dite, 44, from Maesteg, South Wales, who was also arrested, told PA: “It’s costing me £300 a week before I even get to work and earn anything. My only option soon will be to put the welding gear in the shed and call it a day, maybe go on the dole. Face it, at this rate I’ll be on more that way.”
Sharon Downs, 46, from Pontypridd was also taken in after taking her HGV on the protest.
Ms Downs, a saddle fitter, told the news agency: “I’m fed up of putting so much fuel in my car. I’m self-employed and people rather not get their saddles fitted now than cover the travel cost because of the fuel hikes.
“It means I’m losing business but also it means the horses are suffering. I’m disappointed more people haven’t come with us today but I think the price of fuel is sadly exactly why there’s not more here ... and needing to be at work.
“But something needs to be done about it, we need the tax on fuel to be brought down before this country is on its knees. We need more protests and we need more people to join in so our voices are heard, and the government know we won’t stand for it any more.”
Drivers being ‘taken for fools’ over ‘inexplicable’ fuel price rises, motoring groups warn
18:48 , Andy Gregory
Last week, the AA warned drivers were being “taken for fools” amid fuel price hikes labelled “inexplicable” by the RAC.
Speaking as prices were shown to have risen for 38 consecutive days even despite fallen wholesale costs, the AA’s head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: “Drivers are being taken for fools by retailers as the cost of fuel continues its worryingly upward trend.”
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams added: “We can see absolutely no rhyme or reason why average forecourt prices are still going up, given that the wholesale price of both fuels has been falling for weeks,” said
“Drivers up and down the country have a right to know why they’re having to pay what they are for fuel, when the costs to retailers right now are so much less than they were a few weeks ago.”
Yesterday, the price of petrol hit another record high of 191.5p, according to data firm Experian.
On Thursday, the competition watchdog is due to announce the results of an urgent probe ordered by business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng into prices at petrol forecourts.
My colleague Ben Chapman has more details here:
Drivers ‘taken for fools’ as fuel prices rise for 38th day in a row
‘Stinger’ caused no damage to vehicles, police say
19:17 , Andy Gregory
West Yorkshire Police has defended using a so-called “stinger” at an earlier protest – a device used to puncture vehicles’ tyres, after criticism from protesters.
Misuse of police resources at Ferrybridge pic.twitter.com/0eZVT64kID
— Leeds Freight Drivers (@LeedsFreight) July 4, 2022
In a statement reported by ITV News, a spokesperson said the stinger was one of “a number of tactics” used by officers, adding: “A single tyre deflation device was deployed in the early stages of the protest but not as a main method of traffic control.
“It was not used, no damage was caused to any vehicles, and it has been withdrawn.”
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson was reported as saying later that the force had planned “extensively” for the action, adding: “Officers have been conscious of the extremely emotive nature of high fuel prices and financial pain these costs are causing, but also of the significant impact a motorway protest would have on the region.”