[12
SEP 00] FUEL PROTESTS
Emergencies Will Still Be Answered
By ANTONY HOPKER
Emergency
services in Coventry and Warwickshire have pledged to carry on
answering calls, but might cut back on non-essential trips for
the duration of the fuel crisis.
As
queues grew at the remaining petrol stations with fuel, police
urged motorists to be calm. Many drivers left their cars at home
today and used public transport or walked to work.
A
spokesman for West Midlands police said:
“Clearly
fuel supplies are diminished and this is causing some
problems. However there are outlets where fuel is available
and we ask people to be patient.
“We
advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary journeys
and if they are queuing for fuel to try and ensure they are
not causing an obstruction.
”Drivers
can queue back in the road way as long as this does not cause
an obstruction for other road users.
“If
queues do begin to cause problems we may have to move drivers
on.
“From
the point of view of the police fuel supplies, we have
examined the situation and we do not anticipate any major
problems.
“However,
we are reviewing our use of vehicles and officers will be
encouraged not to use vehicles unless it is really necessary.
“Our
response to emergencies will not be affected.”
High-dependency
patients who rely on transport for treatment such as kidney
dialysis have been reassured that they will still be looked
after, even if some non-emergency services are restricted.
A
Wes Midlands Ambulance spokesman said there was some concern, as
supplies would only last for between seven and ten days.
He
stressed that all emergency calls would be answered, and if
necessary other emergency services would be called in to help.
Pickets
at some of the blockaded refineries have agreed to allow
supplies out for emergency services.
[12
SEP 00] PANIC ON THE ROADS OF
WARWICKSHIRE
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