North Yorkshire Police warn motorists about fuel protest at key motorway service station

North Yorkshire Police are warning motorists about disruption at a key motorway service station today (Monday).

Fuel protesters are planning a go-slow drive at Ferrybridge Services on the M62 near Knottingley.

West Yorkshire Police were negotiating with the demonstrators, who are part of a national protest at fuel prices today.

They said: “We acknowledge the importance of lawful protests but will deal swiftly with any criminal offences.

“It is clear deliberate disruption of the network will inconvenience huge numbers of people, draw police resources away from other important work and potentially delay the response times of all emergency services.”

North Yorkshire Police tweeted: “Motorists travelling to and from Ferrybridge Services should be aware of this possible disruption

“We’re monitoring the situation with our colleagues at West Yorkshire Police. We’ll keep you updated.”

Today’s protests will target mainly three-lane motorways and see slow-downs on two lanes, leaving the fast lane free, according to FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox.

While he said his organisation is not involved in the action, he is “fully supportive” of the demonstrations so long as they are conducted legally.

The protests are understood to be organised via social media under the banner Fuel Price Stand Against Tax.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said he will carefully consider calls for a “more substantial” fuel duty cut after the 5p per litre reduction implemented in March failed to halt price rises.