HAULIERS in the York area were today adopting a "wait-and-see" approach, as some protesters threatened to blockade refineries over the high cost of fuel.

Blockades and go-slows aimed at pressurising the Government into cutting fuel duties took place across the country in 2000, sparking panic buying and shortages at filling stations.

Now, some protesters have threatened to return to the refineries if the Government does not bring down tax on fuel.

Farmer and haulier Andrew Spence, from Co Durham, a spokesman for the Fuel Lobby, said refineries would be blockaded from 6am next Wednesday, if cuts were not seen. The lobby said it was prepared to recreate the protests of 2000.

Roy Handley, of A1 Plant and Haulage (York) of Elvington - who said yesterday he would consider closing down his haulage business if prices rose any further - said he too would be prepared to take part in any fresh protests if they were organised nationally.

David Handley, of the national campaign group Farmers For Action, which helped organise the 2000 protests, said many hauliers were in such severe financial difficulties because of the cost of fuel that they may not be able to afford to lose a day's work. "It's ironic, really," he said. However, he felt the situation was "tinder dry", and a spark could still ignite a fresh round of protests.

Meanwhile, bus passengers in York will escape the impact of soaring fuel costs - at least for the time being.

Transport company First said today it had "no immediate plans" for another increase in fares to take account of recent hikes in the price of diesel.

Commercial director Peter Edwards said the extra costs would be absorbed for now, and the company hoped it would not have to raise fares again, at least during 2005.

But he warned that if the increases in the cost of diesel proved permanent, they would eventually have to be passed on to customers.

The Evening Press reported yesterday how the price of Super Unleaded petrol had gone through the £1-a-litre barrier at at least one York filling station, while diesel was costing 99.9 pence a litre at other filling stations including ones at Pickering.

First increased its casual bus fares in July by an average of six per cent, while Park&Ride has just gone up to £2 per adult, which is intended to be in place until August 2007.

Mr Edwards said that bus companies were protected from the full cost of duties by a Government rebate.

Updated: 10:16 Wednesday, September 07, 2005