Tunbridge Wells: Queues for petrol clog up the roads

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Chaos at the pumps continued unabated overnight, with filling stations in many parts of the country running dry. Lengthy queues were again reported outside stations that were open, with the Government confirming it is putting the Army on standby in an effort to ensure supplies were maintained.

There have been reports of cars following fuel tankers, and footage circulating on social media has shown motorists brawling at petrol stations.

Dee Featherstone, founder of Peterborough-based The Little Sensory Box described the situation as “an absolute joke”.

She said: “I am lucky enough to work from home but my son’s childcare is not within walking distance and I can’t work if he is home with me.

“Yesterday, I had to get fuel as I needed to take my son to a medical appointment. Six fuel stations later while running on fumes, we managed to find one that was open.

“My husband hasn’t been able to find diesel and his job requires him to drive around the UK. The world has gone mad.”

Louise Burns, director of Tyne and Wear-based Nineteen Recruitment: “As a supplier of key workers to social care settings, the unease is starting to set in.”

She had been contacted by staff explaining they did not have enough fuel to get to work.

Panic buyers need to stop and consider how obstructive they are being to the key workers who take care of this country

Louise Burns, director of Tyne and Wear-based Nineteen Recruitment

Ms Burns warned: “This leaves care settings without the critical staff they need to effectively care for vulnerable children and adults.

“Panic buyers need to stop and consider how obstructive they are being to the key workers who take care of this country.

“It’s unnecessary, it’s selfish, and it’s putting so many key services at risk.”

Wendy Ward of Sheffield-based charity fund-raising specialists, Let’s Save said: “It beggars belief that people are so swayed by media coverage and don’t use common sense and basic manners.

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“Why on earth would you fill your car up with petrol and jerry cans unless you are doing community work, working in emergency services or are a key worker? 

“How selfish to take more than your fair share.”

Jez Lamb, founder of the Wirral-based craft beer marketplace, Beers @ No.42 described the panic-buyers as “Inconsiderate, selfish and greedy”.

He added: “As a business that has grown through being able to personally deliver to our local customers, I’m now faced with the challenge of not having enough fuel to get around, run my business and earn a living.”

The oil companies have predicted that expect pressure on forecourts will ease in the coming days, with many cars carrying more fuel than usual.

However, Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), said that there was little sign of that happening – while blaming social media.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Disappointingly the messages I’m getting this morning from our retailers are that panic buying does continue,” he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

“One of the reasons for this is social media. As soon as the tanker arrives at a filling station people on social media are advising that a tanker has arrived and it is like bees to a honeypot.

“Everyone flocks there and within a few hours it is out again.”

Ministers announced last night that soldiers are being put on standby to deliver fuel, amid concerns that a shortage of tanker drivers was threatening the ability of the oil companies to maintain supplies.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said putting troops on readiness to assist was a “sensible, precautionary step”.

He explained: “If required, the deployment of military personnel will provide the supply chain with additional capacity as a temporary measure to help ease pressures caused by spikes in localised demand for fuel.”

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