A trucking boss from mid-Essex staged a motorway go-slow to protest at soaring petrol prices - but the threat of oil station blockades failed to materialise.
Taking a stand - Steve Prince, of Steve Prince Transport, staged a protest against petrol costs. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (45049-1)
Steve Prince, 41, and two drivers from his Cressing-based company Steve Prince Transport, drove at about 35mph on the A120, M25 and M11 as they made their way to an oil refinery in Grays yesterday.
They set off at around 7.30am yesterday and arrived at the Vortek refinery at 9am where there were around 30 other protesters.
Dad-of-three Steve, of Cressing Road, Braintree, also took part in the 2000 fuel protest, which caused severe disruptions when refineries were blocked.
He said: "I spend £18,000 a month on fuel for my 20 vehicles. When is it going to stop?
"We're really up against it. Haulage companies over here have to compete with foreign companies who benefit from cheaper fuel.
"At £1 a litre for petrol, we don't have a level playing field. It's an absolute farce."
An Essex Police spokesman confirmed reports of two lorries moving slowly and causing hold-ups on the A120.
By the time police officers arrived at the scene, the traffic had dispersed.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, September 15, 2005
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