Today’s protest and go-slow at Stanlow fuel refinery was billed as the “mother of all fuel protests” (well by this site anyway). Estimates of up to 3000 people had been suggested causing traffic chaos on the roads.

In reality the turn out has been much less than many expected. Our sources put numbers in the low hundreds as many chose to stay away from today’s action.

Further problems came as police at Stanlow fuel refinery blockaded the protesters leaving them unable to access the site, with small scuffles breaking out between protesters and police.

Despite this, interest in the protest has been huge. Vast numbers of visitors have been flooding to the site keen for updates. Media coverage at the event itself was substantial with the national and local press in attendance.

The organisers recently confirmed that a small band of around 40 “hardcore” protesters still remain at Stanlow, claiming that tanker movements have been stopped for the past hour.

Personally I am quite taken back by the lack of support this protest has seen, I had expected huge number of protesters “give it to the man”. However, the media storm that surrounded today’s protest was enough to highlight the anguish motorists and businesses are faced with as we try and cope with record fuel prices.

With only 2 days until the Stanlow go-slow and fuel protest, we at Hypermiler.co.uk have compiled some “need to know” facts about the Sunday’s event.

Where is it?

Previous Stanlow protests have centered on blocking the roads around the fuel refinery in order to cause as must disruption to tanker movements as possible. This time round, a go-slow is planned in order to cause traffic chaos on the A55 & M62 as the protestors head to blockade the refinery.

Meeting points are: Llandudno (LL30 1RY) at 12:30PM passing the Rhyl Junction at 1PM. A secondary convoy from Manchester is meeting at Birch Services (OL10 2HQ Westbound) leaving at 1PM.

The go-slow

The organisers have been in contact with the police regarding the go-slow and “offically” the convoy will be travelling at a maxiumum speed of 30MPG in the left hand lane only.

Unofficial reports suggest that protesters plan to use both lanes, we would suggest avoiding any of the routes used if you are not joining the protest.

The Stanlow Refinery Blockade:

Early reports simply suggested that as per previous protests, it would be a one night affair. We can now confirm that the blockade is set to last 8 days in order to cause maximum distruption to tanker movements.

Who is attending?

Previous events have been low in numbers compared to the expected attendance on Sunday. Estimates range from between 1000 and 5000 people. Numerous organisations and motoring groups from around the UK are planning to join the protest.

Whats the point?

The Stanlow fuel protest and Direct Action groups are fighting for one goal, lower fuel prices. In an interview to a local paper, Kevin Bowker said that they are planning a peaceful and responsible protest. “Rising fuel costs are a real problem for everyone, not just drivers. The price of food is going up because it is more expensive to transport it and small businesses are being forced to close down because they can’t afford to run their vehicles”

By blocking tankers from leaving Stanlow Fuel refinery, they hope that the government will take notices and do something about soaring fuel prices. The organisers are also urging motorists to fill up before the event as the blockade may cause fuel shortages at some filling stations.

For more information please see the Stanlow Fuel protest Facebook page