‘Something needs to be done about the cost of fuel – but it’s not a rolling roadblock’
Will go-slow protests have any impact on rising fuel prices? You have your say
FUEL protesters brought gridlock to motorways and major A-roads across the UK with a series of rolling go-slow roadblocks.
Demonstrations were staged on the M4, M5 and M54 – as well as on the A50 through Stoke-on-trent.
The 15mph A50 protest on Monday started from Meir Park Tesco, reached as far as the Sideway roundabout, and then returned to the Tesco store.
The protests are understood to have been organised via social media under the Fuel Price Stand Against Tax banner.
It comes as latest Experian figures show that the average price of petrol reached a new high of 191.5p per litre on Sunday, while the average price of diesel was 199p per litre.
The AA says that petrol wholesale costs ended last week 10p down on the record highs of early June. Its fuel price spokesman, Luke Bosdet, said: “It is an outrage, plain and simple, that the fuel trade could be slashing petrol prices as the nation heads towards the holiday season, but isn’t.”
Now readers have been having their say on fuel prices – and whether roadblocks are the answer:
Hospitality worker Ana Gomes, aged 38, right, said: “They should have protested differently and got more people involved. The protests for the fuel costs are good, but it needs to be properly done to really slap them in the face.
“It’s hard. I’m a single mum. Nothing at the moment is very helpful with what the Government is doing. It’s hard isn’t it with Brexit and the war going on in Ukraine – and both things are making the fuel prices worse.”
NHS worker Jodie Allsopp, aged 33, right, is feeling the pinch. She said: “Something needs to be done about the cost of fuel – but it’s not a rolling roadblock like we had this week. “I don’t know how driving slowly down the A50 will make a difference. It is only causing chaos to other drivers and the government probably isn’t even aware it’s going on.
“The fuel prices are ridiculous. I’ve started riding my bike to work. I’m a single parent and the cost of living is out of hand and it’s predicted to get worse.”
Retired Andrew Trimm, aged 68, from Stone, right, said: “I don’t think that one of these protests will help change the Government’s mind to do something about it. The price of petrol will probably stay as it is for a while. Things are getting more expensive everywhere so why just moan about petrol.
“I don’t think that type of protest will do anything. People are trying
to get from A to B and I don’t know how these protesters can afford a day off.
“I certainly think something needs to change but I haven’t the faintest how. It doesn’t matter who’s in control, I don’t think I’m any worse or better off. I’m probably in a better position than some people, I got married a long time ago and got a house many years ago.”