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Hundreds of motorcyclists protesting over the record price of petrol staged a go-slow on the M62 into Manchester.
About 400 bikers travelled at 25mph from Hartshead Moor Services in West Yorkshire to Manchester city centre in the “May-Hem” protest.
Police said motorists faced delays as slow moving traffic was reported along the route on Saturday morning, but any disruption was minimised.
The convoy arrived in Manchester at about 1130 BST.
Some heavy traffic was reported around Regent Road as police directed the bikers through the city centre, but no major problems were reported.
Protests in the last two years have seen hundreds of bikers take over motorways by travelling slowly and in convoy.
Organisers said the fuel prices were “unfair”
Organisers on biker websites say the general election campaign is an opportunity to show the “political elite” they want a cut in fuel duty.The AA’s monthly fuel price report for April says petrol prices have reached a new record high, having broken the previous record of 119.7p per litre set in July 2008.
Rising wholesale costs, a 1p increase in fuel duty on 1 April and a higher price for oil continue to push pump prices up by one to two-tenths of a penny a day, the organisation said, with the UK having the eleventh highest unleaded price in Europe and the second highest diesel price.
One of the protest organisers, David Whitehouse, known as Triumphman, said the prices were “unfair”.
“We just think it’s unfair they way that government targets motorists,” he said.
“We are seen as as soft targets.”
These people are deluded. Oil is a diminishing resource and we had better get used to high prices
John Hempson, CleckheatonPetrol prices go-slow: Your comments
John Halshaw took part in the protest. He said: “You see how petrol companies are making so much money and a lot of it goes on taxes to governments – it’s stupid.
“So we’ve got to try and do something about it and this is one way.”
Also taking part was Fiona Parry, who said it was time something was done about the rising costs of fuel.
“My partner and I drive 150 miles a day to work and our wages haven’t increased, but the petrol price has gone up and up and up so this means significantly less money in our pocket,” she said.
“We probably spend a minimum of £450 a month on fuel, which is quite a huge chunk of your wage.”
Protesters praised
Bikers gathered from 0700 BST on Saturday at the westbound Hartshead Moor Services on the M62 in West Yorkshire, before setting off at 0900 BST heading for Manchester on the M62.
They then travelled on to the M60 and then from M60 Junction 12 on to the M602 towards Manchester.
Demonstrators then travelled on to meet up outside The Lowry at Salford Quays.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Officers have praised the protesters for their conduct and no arrests were made.
“While it did cause some traffic disruption, which was to be expected, the careful planning meant disruption was minimised.
“Many motorists followed the advice and did not get caught up in the protest at all.”
About 1,000 bikers took part in a similar protest in June 2008.
Source:
https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8655686.stm
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