M62 fuel price protesters kept behind stinger by police at Ferrybridge services

Drivers gathered at Ferrybridge service station at 6am, with the intention of forming a rolling roadblock as part of a national protest understood to have been organised via social media under the banner Fuel Price Stand Against Tax.

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The Telegraph & Argus understands that police have only allowed protesters onto the M62 individually or in small groups, using a stinger device to hold back the vehicles in a bid to minimise disruption.

Police say they have engaged with the "small number" of protestors, and no arrests have been made.

Police escort vehicles along the M4 in Gloucestershire during the morning rush hour as drivers hold a go-slow protest against high fuel prices. Picture: PA

While traffic has been brought to a standstill on the M4 between Gloucestershire and South Wales, traffic has been flowing as usual on the M62.

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson, of West Yorkshire Police, added: "West Yorkshire Police is very experienced at managing protest and had planned extensively, with partners, for today’s action.

"Officers have been conscious of the extremely emotive nature of high fuel prices and financial pain these costs are causing, but also of the significant impact a motorway protest would have on the region.

"Under legislation, West Yorkshire Police must balance the rights of people to protest with the wider rights of members of the public. 

"It must evaluate whether a protest would disproportionately affect the rights of others. If it is felt that the actions of a small number will negatively impact the rights of the wider public, then the force is required to intervene and protect the majority.

"Police engaged with the small number of protestors who attended at Ferrybridge Services on Monday morning to explore possible ways in which they could peacefully demonstrate without negatively affecting the wider public.

"It was clear the proposed ‘go slow’ protest on the network would potentially have caused significant gridlock across the north of England.

"Officers took action to avoid the disruption and ensure the wider safety of protestors and road users.

The vehicles leading the M4 protest. Picture: PA

"The force is committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders including those who wish to lawfully demonstrate, and is happy to discuss matters with them going forwards."

In Wales, protest organisers were told by police before leaving they could not stop and must drive no slower than 30mph.

Some protesters said they intend to meet in the middle and block the motorway.

For a few minutes, both carriageways of the M4 approaching the Severn crossing were brought to a standstill by go-slow protests travelling east and west.

Two police motorcyclists rode in front of four vehicles travelling at around 30mph from the Bristol area towards South Wales.

There was a marked police patrol car behind the protesters, followed by dozens of queuing motorists.

A larger convoy of protesters drove over the Severn crossing heading into England from Wales with a large backlog of traffic following behind.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak 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.

Figures from data firm Experian show the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts reached a new high of 191.4p on Thursday, while diesel rose to 199.1p.

The Government said that while it understands people are struggling with rising prices and have a right to protest, “people’s day-to-day lives should not be disrupted” and warned that traffic delays “will only add to fuel use”.

Are you or your business suffering because of the high price of fuel? Let us know. Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here or WhatsApp us on 07720403052.

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