Long queues on motorways as campaigners stage fuel protests

A major motorway came to a standstill earlier today after protesters demonstrated against rising fuel prices. Campaigners blocked a stretch of the M4 between Bristol and South Wales, including the Prince of Wales Severn bridge crossing, as part of an action calling for a cut in fuel duty.

It is understood that the protest was organised on social media under the banner Fuel Price Stand Against Tax. One of the protesters who gathered at Magor Services, near Caldicot, was Vicky Stamper 41, a former HGV driver who said she and her partner Darren had to leave jobs in Bristol because they simply couldn't afford the fuel cost. She said: “We had to leave those jobs because it was costing us £380 a week just to get to and from work.

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“I then lost a job two weeks ago because the company couldn’t afford to put fuel in that many lorries so last in, first out.” She added that the whole situation has caused a large amount of emotional stress for her family.

Talking about the disruption the protest will cause to other drivers on the motorway, Ms Stamper said: "We’re doing this for us and for them. If they want to have a moan, they should join us instead.” She also called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "resign".

Richard Dite, 44, a mobile welder from South Wales, said it is costing him hundreds of pounds in fuel to get to work every week due to price hikes. “It’s costing me £300 a week before I even get to work and earn anything,” Mr Dite said.

“My only option soon will be to put the welding gear in the shed and call it a day, maybe go on the dole. Face it, at this rate I’ll be on more that way.” Marting Crowley, 48, from