PETROL stations across the region are bracing themselves for a fall in customer numbers as motorists prepare to desert garage forecourts.

The Dump-the Pump boycott has been organised on the Internet by Garry Russell, from Essex.

He is urging all motorists to turn their backs on petrol stations today and try an alternative in protest against the high fuel prices.

James Black, from PetrolBusters.com, the website which gives driver's information on the lowest prices in their area, claimed the campaign was proving to be effective.

He said:"I have heard reports that two thirds of drivers are boycotting stations.

"People are still filling up and we can not stop them from doing so, but it is good to see people taking a stand.

"Economically we have got the petrol companies on the run, which can only be good for the motorist.

"I do not think the government are that silly they are going to ignore this message motorists are giving to them."

But there is little evidence that the protest has taken off in the North-East and North Yorkshire so far.

And at Dover an expected blockade by hauliers fell flat when only 12 out of the 200 truckers due turned up to take part.

One of those who did turn up was Stephen Peacock from the Middlesbrough company Reg Richardson Haulage.

Mr Peacock, 42, said:"Half the company's workforce could be made redundant by the end of the year because of soaring costs.

"The larger companies should start pulling their weight and stop relying on small independent firms to do all the donkey work."

Visit the Dump-the-Pump campaign here. Use back buton to return.

Let us know what you think byemailing us