Go-slow planned on M40 (From Witney Gazette)

Go-slow planned on M40

6:18am Saturday 19th July 2008 in Witney

Fuel protesters will make their feelings clear today as they stage a go-slow convoy along the M40 to London.

Leaving Oxford Services at junction eight of the motorway at 11am, the cavalcade will cruise at about 40mph in the first and second lanes en route to Marble Arch and later to Downing Street.

The protest, organised by Oxfordshire cabbies Brooke Purvis and Mark Griffith, will then deliver a letter to Number 10 calling for a cut in fuel duty.

Mr Purvis, from Carterton, said: "I would be happy if there were 20 cars, but I have heard a rumour a lot of trucks could be turning up and I've heard a bus firm is also turning up.

"I just spoke to the guy we are meeting in London and he said he had 300 vehicles confirmed coming down the M1. They are coming down from Manchester and starting their go-slow at South Mimms services before meeting us at Marble Arch."

The 31-year-old said the M40 protest would then join with other motorists from Scotland, Bristol, Nottingham and Derby.

He added: "I would imagine we will get the message across if everything goes to plan and everyone listens to what we have to say.

"We must not forget Alistair Darling as already announced, conveniently a few days before our protest, that the Government is not going to impose the 2p tax rise.

"That kind of takes the wind out of our sails, but by doing that they have actually done nothing and they are still raking it in."