Fuel price protesters are set to cause further disruption on Friday (22 July) as police warn motorists that “slow-moving roadblocks” are planned on major roads across the country. Avon and Somerset Police has advised drivers to expect delays along parts of the M4, M5, M32 and A38 from Friday morning.
An image posted on the private Facebook group Fuel Price Stand Against Tax suggests demonstrations will be held “nationwide,” including in Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, London and Manchester. Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “Our protest liaison team has been engaging with the organiser so we can inform the public of the likely disruption and help to minimise it.
"Nevertheless, drivers can expect journey times will likely be longer than normal, especially on motorways, which often tend to be at their busiest at this time of year. We advise motorists to consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed.”
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The protests could cause disruption to millions of families embarking on getaways at the start of summer holidays for many schools in England and Wales. The first of Friday’s protests will see vehicles travel north on the M5 between Bridgwater and the Almondsbury Interchange from around 8.45am, then east along the M4 and to Junction 1 of the M32.
The convoy is expected to leave the motorway and stop “for a period of time” before completing the same route in reverse, arriving back in Bridgwater “in the early afternoon”, according to police. A second group of protesters is planning to drive slowly to the Shell petrol station in Bristol Road, Bridgwater, and is expected to block the Shell forecourt “during the morning."
There has been several high-profile protests against the rising cost of fuel and use of oil in recent months. Several members of protest group Just Stop Oil invaded the track during the British Grand Prix on July 3, while 12 fuel price protesters were arrested for causing disruption on the M4 the following day.
As of Thursday 21 July, the average price of petrol is 187.5p per litre – while diesel stands at 196.3p, according to confused.com
Though fuel prices have dropped slightly in the past couple of weeks, petrol prices are still more than 50p higher than in August 21 – while diesel is almost 60p more.
The cost of filling an average car currently ranges from £79.40 to £122.88, depending on the tank size.
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