As protesters demand a reduction in fuel duty, there may be traffic jams on roads across the country, with demonstrators reportedly planning to target primarily three-lane motorways.
Police have warned that motorists could face “serious disruption throughout the day” as protesters target motorways in a demonstration against high fuel prices.
Early this morning, ‘rolling roadblocks’ were utilized during demonstrations on the M4 and M5 in the southwest.
This included vehicles moving slowly in both directions across the Prince of Wales Bridge between Wales and England and a procession moving slowly northbound on the M5 near Exeter.
The procession on the Severn bridge briefly stopped, despite police orders that vehicles cannot stop or travel slower than 30 mph.
Essex and Gloucestershire may also be targeted for traffic congestion on the nation’s roadways.
Howard Cox, the founder of FairFuelUK, explains that the protesters are primarily targeting three-lane highways, causing slowdowns on two lanes while leaving the fast lane open.
Videos depicted demonstrators slowing all three traffic lanes.
It is believed that the protesters were organized via social media under the banner Fuel Price Stand Against Tax.
Vicky Stamper, 41, has lost two jobs as a result of high fuel prices.
Both she and her partner, who is from Cwmbran, South Wales, previously worked in Bristol.
She stated, “We were forced to leave those jobs because it cost us £380 per week just to get to work.
“Two weeks ago, I lost my job because the company could not afford to fuel that many lorries, so it was last in, first out.”
She also demanded the resignation of Boris Johnson.
Richard Dite, 44, from Maesteg, South Wales, stated that his weekly fuel expenses exceeded £300.
He said: “My only option soon will be to put the welding gear in the shed and call it a day, maybe go on the doll.
“At this rate, I’ll be making more money that way.”
Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the United Kingdom, has stated that he will carefully consider calls for a “more substantial” fuel duty cut after the March reduction of 5p per liter failed to halt price increases.
The average price of a liter of petrol at UK service stations reached a new high of 191.4p on Thursday, while the average price of a liter of diesel increased to 199.1p.
Although the government understands that people are struggling with rising prices and have the right to protest, “people’s daily lives should not be disrupted,” and traffic delays “will only increase fuel consumption.”
Tom Harding, chief superintendent of the Gwent Police, urged motorists to reconsider their trips, consider working from home, and avoid the area whenever possible.
Bristol Airport advised passengers to allow for additional travel time.
A tweet from the airport’s account stated: “Please be advised that a fuel protest is scheduled to block the River Severn Bridge crossings on Monday, July 4 at 8 a.m.
“The protest is likely to affect the M5, M4, and the two Welsh border crossings. Please account for additional time when traveling to or from the airport.”
“A police operation to limit disturbances”
Anna Granger, the chief inspector of the Essex Police Department, stated that her officers are “experienced in dealing with incidents that cause significant disruption.”
The A48 will likely be affected by protests, causing travel disruptions in the Gloucester and Forest of Dean regions, according to the Gloucestershire Police.
A government spokesperson said: “While we respect the right to protest, people’s day-to-day lives should not be disrupted, especially on congested highways where lives are at risk and traffic delays only increase fuel consumption.
“The new Public Order Bill will make it a crime to glue yourself to a dangerous highway, which currently requires police to spend hours attempting to safely remove individuals.”
