Roads across the country could see traffic jams as protesters demand a cut in fuel tax. They will mainly target three-lane motorways and will result in a slowdown to two lanes, leaving the fast lane free, according to FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox. Protesters are expected to block the Prince of Wales Bridge between England and Wales, while disruption is also possible in Essex and Gloucestershire. Protesters reportedly organized via social media under the banner Fuel Price Base Against Tax. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he would carefully consider calls for a “more substantial” cut in fuel duty after a 5p per liter cut implemented in March failed to stem price rises. Figures from data firm Experian show the average price of a liter of petrol in UK forecourts hit a new high of £191.4p. on Thursday, while diesel rose to 199.1 p.m. The government said while it understood people were struggling with rising prices and had a right to protest, “people’s daily lives should not be disrupted” and warned traffic delays “will only increase fuel use”. Gwent Police said protests are expected to take place on the road from 7am to 7pm on Monday, with organizers having indicated their intention to block Prince of Wales Bridge. They said organizers had indicated the protest would start from the M4 at Magor services, junction 23A eastbound and junction 20 of the M4 westbound. Read more: Climate protesters damage petrol pumps at motorway service stations Workers demand nationwide bailout against protesters threatening supplies Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said he would encourage drivers to reconsider their journey, consider working from home and avoid the area where possible. Bristol Airport advised travelers to allow extra time for travel. The airport tweeted: “Please note there is a planned fuel protest to block the River Severn Bridge crossings this Monday 4th July from 8.30am. “The protest will likely affect the M5, M4 and both crossings into Wales. Please allow extra time if you are traveling to or from the airport.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:15 Why do fuel prices keep going up? “Police operation to contain disturbance” Essex Police Chief Inspector Anna Granger said her officers “are experienced in dealing with incidents that cause significant disruption”. He said: “We will be monitoring the situation closely and will have a policing operation to contain the disruption.” Gloucestershire Police said the protests are likely to affect the A48, causing travel disruption in the Gloucester and Forest of Dean areas. A government spokesman said: “While we respect the right to protest, people’s daily lives should not be disrupted, especially on busy motorways where lives are put at risk and traffic delays will increase fuel use. “The new Public Order Bill will make it a criminal offense to get stuck on a dangerous motorway where police spend hours trying to get people off safely.”
