Fuel supply: Essex Police warning after 100 calls over queues

Police said not to call them out unless there had been a collision or a crime had been committed

A police force has issued a warning after it received more than 100 calls in 24 hours from people about petrol station traffic queues.

Essex Police asked the public not to call 999 or 101 unless it was for emergencies or crime-related issues.

It said it knew the situation was "frustrating" but unless there was a collision or a crime had been committed it was not a reason to call.

It has also urged people "not to abuse staff" when filling up.

The calls came into the force's call-handling centre at the weekend.

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Ch Supt Jenny Barnett thanked the majority who were "buying petrol when they need it" and being "considerate and calm".

"We understand being stuck in a queue is frustrating, but our 999 and 101 numbers need to be kept for reporting emergencies and information about crimes or incidents," she said.

"If our call handlers are dealing with calls about traffic build-up, they're unable to take calls from people who really need our help.

"And no matter how exasperating it might be to be waiting in a queue, there is no excuse for abusing staff at petrol stations, who are just trying to do their job in difficult circumstances."

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