Emergency services in West Mercia area 'unaffected' by fuel shortage

Emergency services in the West Mercia area say they remain unaffected by people panic buying fuel at petrol stations.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We have our own fuel supplies and have not been affected.”

Meanwhile, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue service confirmed it was managing to run a normal service.

Group Commander Phill Sanders said: “It’s business as usual for the fire service. We are working with our local partners and currently have no concerns over supplies.”

West Mercia Police urged motorists to only get fuel when necessary.

A spokesman for the force said: "We are aware of queuing drivers at some petrol stations which in some areas is causing congestion."

"We encourage everyone to act responsibly and keep our roads clear for us to respond to those that need our help."

The crisis has been caused by a lack of specialist fuel tanker drivers, caused in part by many drivers going back to mainland Europe following Brexit, and also by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.