Fuel protest - live: 13 arrested for ‘driving too slowly’ after major UK roads targeted
Slow-moving convoys cause delays across country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Petrol prices reach new high
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
Petrol hits another new record high of 191.5p as drivers block motorways
The price of petrol has hit another record high on UK forecourts as protesters bring the M4 to a standstill.
Prince of Wales bridge shut eastbound
Police say the bridge has been closed in the eastbound direction amid the protest:
Prince of Wales bridge protest stopped westbound
Police have stopped the rolling protest on the westbound carriageway before the crossing, according to PA agency.
Petrol station protest in Somerset
There is now a protest underway at a petrol station in a Somerset town:
Gwent Police say ‘driving offences’ taking place during protest
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
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.
Where else are people protesting?
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
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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments