MOTORISTS are facing long delays on the A12 following reports of another 'go slow' fuel protest. 

There are delays of up to 30 minutes on the southbound carriageway of the A12 near Hatfield Peverel. 

Commuters were reportedly stuck between Colchester and Witham in both directions.

Essex Police said officers are engaging with a "small number" of protesters travelling by car on the A12, heading northbound between Kelvedon and Marks Tey.

A spokesman said: "Six cars are using lane one to travel and protest about fuel prices.

"All other lanes are open.

"Our officers are working hard to keep Essex moving, keep people safe and minimise disruption to the public on the county’s main road."

Superintendent Richard Melton said: “We understand that people have the right to peacefully protest, but we will not allow anyone to impact the livelihoods of others or put other road users at risk.

“Despite this being a time of high traffic, officers have successfully engaged with the drivers of the vehicles and they are causing minimum disruption.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and our policing operation is in place to limit disruption to wider road users.

“Our teams are experienced at dealing with incidents which cause significant disruption on the roads."

A flier sent to the Gazette advertised a “rolling roadblock” protest scheduled for 7am this morning. 

The notice said: “Same time, same place, same route. Plan your journey.”

Gazette: A flier advertising the start time and location of a planned 'go slow' protest on the A12A flier advertising the start time and location of a planned 'go slow' protest on the A12

It specified the start point as Colchester Stadium and confirmed the protest is over the rising cost of fuel.

The delays follow a protest last week which saw a group of about 20 vehicles join the London-bound A12 at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium with their hazard lights on to signal their discontent.

READ MORE: A12 fuel protesters stage rush hour action from Colchester

Police officers at the scene told the Gazette about 40 cars had initially turned up at the stadium as some made their way onto the major route at junction 28, escorted by the police.

The protest saw a series of vehicles then drive slowly rather than causing a blockade, causing traffic tailbacks right along the A12.

Fuel prices have risen to record highs in recent weeks with figures from data firm Experian showing the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts had hit 191.4p last week.