Fuel protest - live: 13 arrested for ‘driving too slowly’ after major UK roads targeted

Slow-moving convoys cause delays across country

Petrol prices: Average cost of filling family car set to exceed £100

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.

Key Points

• Thirteen arrests for ‘going too slowly’ in protests
• Police faced ‘challenges’ over A38 protest
• Protests takes place across UK including Welsh border, Essex and Devon
• Petrol hits another new record high as drivers block motorways

[4 July 2022 10:18 · Zoe Tidman]

Update on the M5 northbound convoy

[4 July 2022 10:25 · Zoe Tidman]

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

[4 July 2022 10:30 · Zoe Tidman]

BREAKING: Petrol hits another new record high of 191.5p as drivers block motorways

[4 July 2022 10:43 · Zoe Tidman]

Prince of Wales bridge shut eastbound

Police say the bridge has been closed in the eastbound direction amid the protest:

[4 July 2022 10:51 · Zoe Tidman]

Prince of Wales bridge protest stopped westbound

Police have stopped the rolling protest on the westbound carriageway before the crossing, according to PA agency.

[4 July 2022 10:54 · Zoe Tidman]

Petrol station protest in Somerset

There is now a protest underway at a petrol station in a Somerset town:

[4 July 2022 10:58 · Zoe Tidman]

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

[4 July 2022 11:15 · Zoe Tidman]

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.

[4 July 2022 11:18 · Zoe Tidman]

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.

[4 July 2022 11:31 · Zoe Tidman]

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