HAULIERS last night gave the Government 60 days to cut crippling fuel tax - or face a rerun of this week's refinery blockades, which next time might not be so peaceful.

The warning is supported by 50-year-old Teesside transport boss Reg Richardson whose drivers joined blockades around the country.

Two years ago, Mr Richardson joined hauliers in a slow protest procession of lorries across Teesside, campaigning for a reduction in fuel tax.

As the paralysing blockades were called off yesterday, he claimed a "morale victory''.

Mr Richardson, who has a fleet of 35 articulated lorries said: "Tony Blair has just said they are prepared to talk, but has given no time. We have said we want to see some reduction in 60 days, which is another six months down the line.

"We know you cannot run the country and have emergency budgets halfway through the year but he (Blair) has had a fair opportunity to do something about it.

"If he does not make any concession by the time of the Government's autumn budget, we will be back out doing exactly the same thing we have done for the last three days.

"The last three days have been peaceful protests, but if their intention is to destroy the whole haulage industry, they have just found out in the last three days they cannot do without trucks.

"The last three days have proved they need the haulage industry,'' added the North Ormesby haulier, who says an "unbelievable'' number of hauliers have been forced off the road in the last two years.

Thirty-six tankers left the Phillips Petroleum refinery at Seal Sands, Teesside, with supplies for emergency services, shortly before protestors lifted the blockade.