Lorry convoy in M6 fuel protest

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The go-slow on the M6

A major fuel protest has been staged on the M6 with scores of lorry drivers taking part in a slow convoy from Cheshire to Lancashire.

The demonstration, which began at Lymm at 0900 BST, caused lengthy tailbacks as drivers protested over the rising price of fuel.

Drivers travelled north up the M6 at about 40mph to junction 35 at Carnforth before returning southbound.

Police warned motorists to use alternative routes where possible.

The protest ended just before 1500 BST.

'Knock-on effect'

Tony Burridge, a logistics manager from Preston who organised the protest, said: "We are hoping the strength of feeling shown during today's go-slow will persuade the government to reduce fuel duty.

"I am confident that if enough people take a stand the government will realise that the rising cost of fuel is intolerable for ordinary working people and their families.

"It is not just hauliers who are facing hardship and having to make cut backs and redundancies."

Among those who joined the protest was Steve Richardson, the owner of a Manchester-based chauffeur company, who said his fuel bills had risen in the last six months from £1,700 a week to £2,500.

Mr Richardson, who has run his company for 15 years, said: "I can't pass all of the fuel cost increases on to my customers, if I did I would have no customers left."