Fuel crisis UK: Buses diverted and gridlock in West Watford

People across the UK flocked to forecourts yesterday after reports that a small number of BP and Tesco petrol stations had been forced to close as a shortage of HGV drivers meant they could not be restocked in time.

The Watford Observer reported yesterday how petrol stations at the Dome Roundabout in Garston and in Bushey Heath were affected by many people wanting petrol - with marshalls directing traffic at some petrol stations to try and cope with the number of motorists.

There was heavy traffic around West Watford today as motorists queued to get to the BP garage.

The queues also affected bus services, with Arriva diverting buses around Hemel Hempstead and Borehamwood.

#HemelHempstead Service #500 is not serving Apsley towards Watford due to the petrol panic. Instead it will be using Lawn Lane, Belswains Lane and Red Lion Lane following normal line of route towards Kings Langely. Towards Hemel is unaffected and going through Apsley. Apologies

— Arriva Herts & Essex (@arrivaessex) September 25, 2021

#Borehamwood Service 357 is having to divert due to the petrol panic. After Leeming Road it is turning right onto Gateshead Road, left onto Theobald Street and left onto the High Street picking up the normal line of route. It is avoiding Tesco. Apologies

— Arriva Herts & Essex (@arrivaessex) September 25, 2021

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has tried to dissuade drivers from panic buying petrol, saying that motorists should “carry on as normal”.

Matrix signs on the M1 have been saying that services at junction 23 are sold out.