Couriers facing filling station shortage
Date: 12 February 2008
Many motorists such as courier drivers believe that there is a shortage of fuel filling stations in the UK.
A survey by car supermarket company Motorpoint found that more than half of motorists think there is a lack, suggesting that many couriers and owner drivers could struggle to find a place to fill up.
There are fewer than 9,500 filling stations in the UK today, which is thought to be the lowest number since 1912. This also means that there are long queues at many petrol stations, causing delays for couriers delivering loads.
A spokesman for the AA said: "We know there are some areas of the UK where supply no longer exists at a local level meaning there's a real risk of some drivers running out."
David Shelton of Motorpoint said that there was a risk that supermarkets could drive smaller independent filling stations out of business in some areas.
More motorists such as couriers will then be forced to buy fuel from the supermarkets, which could then push up prices.
For the latest in courier and transport news, please visit Courier Exchange's Online Courier News Homepage.
User Comments
No Comments