Truckers plan motorway fuel protest

Truckers are set to hold a six-hour go-slow fuel protest which is likely to cause gridlock on part of the motorway network.

Around 100 lorries are expected to join the demonstration on the M6 which is likely to disrupt traffic in the North West of England.

The protest will start around 9am at Lymm truck stop in Cheshire, with the lorries travelling in convey north, up the M6 at 40mph.

When they reach junction 35 at Carnforth, Lancashire, they will turn back and travel down the M6 southbound, to compete the 120 mile trip.

The lorry drivers' protest over rising fuel costs comes as drivers of Shell fuel tankers go on strike over pay, with refineries being picketed.

Police forces in Lancashire, Cheshire , Greater Manchester and Merseyside have met Highways Agency officials to discuss how to handle the go-slow protest.

Traffic officers have warned some motorway junctions will close while the convoy travels up and down the M6.

Police said they expect the protest will be over at around 3pm although traffic will likely remain heavy for a period of time after that.

It is not known exactly how many vehicles will be involved.

Chief Inspector Jon Donnelly from Lancashire Constabulary said: "The organiser has been in contact with police during the planning of this protest and all the forces as well as the Highways Agency will be working together to ensure the safety of road users. Our advice to motorists would be to only travel if you need to as the M6 will be extremely busy."