WATCH: Fuel protesters hold up drivers across Scotland

Fuel price protests are taking place across the UK

The two tractors got into Aberdeen just before 9.30am
Author: Finlay JackPublished 4th Jul 2022
Last updated 4th Jul 2022

Drivers across Scotland faced delays today as protests were held over the rising price of fuel.

Queues were tailed back from Stonehaven to Aberdeen as a result of two tractors blocking the road.

It's part of a protest against the huge rise in fuel prices, that's saw the average price for a litre of diesel rise to 199.1p, with petrol sitting at 191.4p.

The tractors passed Northsound HQ after eventually making it up the A92 this morning.

In Inverness, several cars drove at 20mph on the A9 heading north towards Tore roundabout before returning to the Highland capital.

This caused long tailbacks and some vehicles used junctions and turn-offs to try and get passed the convoy.

However, protestors believe they must ensure their point of view is heard by the UK Government.

"Fuel matters here"

Deborah Carmichael was one of those taking action in Inverness earlier and told us those across the north and north-east are being hit hard.

One of the vehicles leading the protest in Inverness

She said:"Especially with more rural communities, fuel matters here.

"We have to travel so far to get to our jobs.

"It doesn't just impact people at the fuel pumps, it impacts haulage, food prices, everything gets more expensive.

"Rishi and Boris are not listening."

Deborah told us how much of a price increase she's faced filling up her Mitsubishi Trojan.

She added: "You're probably going from £70 to about £120.

Deborah (far left) along with other protesters after their drive to Tore roundabout

"You've got carers who will only get paid a certain amount per mile, so they're actually taking a hit in their wage to care for the vulnerable people in society.

"Is that fair?"

In March, the UK Government introduced the biggest ever cut to all fuel duty rates – worth £5 billion when taken together with the fuel duty freeze.

A spokesperson said: "We understand that people are struggling with rising prices which is why we have made the biggest cut ever on all fuel duty rates, saving the average UK car driver around £100, van driver around £200 and haulier over £1,500.

“While we respect the right to protest, people’s day-to-day lives should not be disrupted, especially on busy motorways where lives are put at risk and resulting traffic delays will only add to fuel use.

"That's why we're strengthening the integrity of our transport networks through our Public Order Bill, making it a criminal offence to interfere with the use or operation of key national infrastructure like motorways."

Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on MFR. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.