Tanker drivers vote to settle dispute

An earlier vote in favour of strike action led to panic buying of petrol (PA)

The threat of further strike action by tanker drivers has been averted after they voted narrowly to accept a peace deal ending the long-running row over terms and conditions.

The drivers' union Unite said members working for seven distribution firms backed the deal by 51 per cent overall, although drivers in four other companies rejected it.

The union said the vote left no room for "complacency", and called for rapid implementation of proposals agreed during talks at the conciliation service Acas.

There were long queues at garages earlier this year after an initial vote in favour of strikes sparked panic buying, with the Government urging motorists to keep jerry cans of fuel in their garages.

The Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said the decision not to strike was "the right result for those involved in the dispute and for the economy".