New fuel protest urged
Fuel protesters around the country today urged motorists to join a national demonstration against a rise in the price of petrol.
Chancellor Gordon Brown is expected to announce the increase of 1.28p per litre tomorrow.
Every motorist in the UK is being asked to stop their vehicles for one minute at 8.30am tomorrow in the midst of the rush hour.
Hauliers, motorists and taxi drivers are just some the groups being encouraged to join the 60-second protest, organised by the People's Fuel Lobby (PFL).
After the success of the fuel protests in September 2000, co-ordinator Andrew Spence said he was confident people would join the demonstration.
"We are asking the public on Wednesday October 1 that at 8.30am they park up in the road or wherever they are for one minute," the farmer and haulier said.
"In doing this we are sending a clear and direct message to the Government that we will not tolerate this price increase.
"This is a plea to all motorists, hauliers and taxi drivers - whoever is affected by this excessive fuel tax.
"It is not up to the Government - it is up to the public, it is up to every motorist in the country."
Ian Hay, a haulier from north Aberdeen, said he would be putting the word out today to encourage people to join in.
"I will be taking part and it is best to tell people about it before it starts," he said.
"Everybody feels very, very strongly about this issue - all the hauliers."
Robert Burns, who represents the PFL in central Scotland added: "Everybody should take part if it gets the message across to Gordon Brown."
Farmers and hauliers organised blockades in protest at high fuel prices in September 2000 which nearly brought the UK to a halt.
Oil refineries were picketed to prevent the delivery of supplies to petrol stations and there were go-slow convoys on motorways.
A rush for fuel caused chaos at garages and 90% ran dry before supplies eventually arrived.
Mr Spence organised a convoy from the north-east England to Downing Street over the same issue in November 2000.
