TRUCKERS fighting to compete against European haulage firms who pay half as much for a gallon of fuel were today attempting to paralyse Manchester in protest.

A convoy set off from a roadside cafe in Lymm, Cheshire, at 8am, heading for the city via the A50, A56, M56, A5103, M60 and M602 before travelling through Salford into the centre.

The move was a repeat of a nationwide demonstration in London two weeks ago when 1,500 lorries gathered on Park Lane to bring parts of the capital to a halt and cause a series of jams.

Truckers were also expected in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Truro and Plymouth today as children returned to school after the Easter break.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "They are expected to complete the circuit by mid-afternoon depending on how many lorries are involved.

"With kids and workers returning after the Easter break it could be quite hectic." Mel Dibb, transport manager of Blackburn haulage firm Kenyons, said: "None of our drivers is taking part but we support the protest because someone's got to do something about it.

"The amount we are paying for fuel is extreme. In Europe they pay about £1.50 a gallon where we're paying about £2.80 here."

But transport minister John Reid today gave no hint of a climbdown as he said: "It is a tragedy that despite the fact the government is speaking to them, has established an industry forum for them and despite the fact that their own leadership have described these talks as constructive, they still insist on punishing the public.

"The government will not have a gun held to its head.

"They are damaging their own case by punishing ordinary members of the public with whom they have no quarrel."

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