Threatened for fuel • A Derbyshire haulier is warning operators
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to be aware of the growing problem of "travellers" threatening drivers to sell them cheap diesel while they are refuelling.
Bob Archer, owner of Kilburn Trucking of Derby, says he and his drivers have been approached on several occasions by travellers at Thurrock Services on the M25 in Essex, at service stations in Wales and on the A40 in the past few months.
"The problem is getting out of hand," Archer says. "The travellers want drivers to sell them diesel destined for their trucks cheaply, and paid for by the operators, because of the high price of diesel nowadays."
Archer says that one driver, from Cobelfret Ferries UK of Purfleet, was threatened with a beating last week by four travellers at Thurrock Services after he refused their demands.
Archer has told his drivers to stop filling up if approached, go to the pay desk and report the incident to the police.
"With diesel at its present level it is practically liquid gold," says Archer. "This problem is going to get worse."