Long queues of panic buyers waiting to fill up their tanks with petrol have caused chaos in Harrow overnight.
The issues are now continuing for a second day as the government is reportedly going to green light changes in visa regulations allowing thousands of foreign lorry drivers to work in the UK.
Long queues have been reported in Harrow Town Centre at the BP station, the Esso at Belmont Circle and Shell in Pinner Green was forced to close.
Videos and images of queues and petrol station closures have been sent in to the Harrow Online Group with many people expressing their frustration with the government.
One resident said: “So upsetting 😞
I worked 13 hours yesterday and got stuck in traffic on my way home, not knowing or realising what is the case of it. Got to know when I finally got home. I thought that today on my way back to work I will fill up but I wasn’t even chanced to do it, it was extremely busy.
“These type of people I am calling them “selfish” as they only think about them. Whilst we care and support their relatives in hospitals, they are filling up their tanks and travel here and there. Shame on them really…. This reminds me when we got hit by the pandemic…. Working in a hospital, huge amount of hours….
“Trying to do my shopping for my family and couldn’t find anything else on the shelves”
“Absolutely disappointing… I think they should implement some new strategies and should make a priority the essential workers here…. This way schools can have the teachers available to support our kids, hospital can have their multidisciplinary team to support the ones in urgent care need, police to have their important staff out to maintin our safety…. Etc…. So on. They are so many more essential workers that actually need to be out and fullfill their responsibilities…. For me, for you, for everyone!!!”
North #Harrow traffic as petrol stations across the borough run dry. What will the situation be like next week for work and school? More details coming soon via https://t.co/rsayHHpk42.
📱Laurence Gill pic.twitter.com/qrcxHydjLh
— Harrow Online (@harrowonline) September 25, 2021
Another concerned person said: “I am so concerned that is is going to continue into next week, the government need to allow visas for lorry drivers, this can’t carry on”.
Another person posted: “Belmont Circle Petrolocked, stay away!”
One Harrow resident said: “On way in to work at 5am this morning most stations are closed except the supermarkets which had a massive queue at each. Jerry cans on back seats and all sorts. Complete madness.”
The government has insisted that any move would be “very strictly time-limited” and it has been reported that Boris Johnson has allowed ministers to relax UK immigration rules to bring in the visa scheme.
Petrol queues across #Harrow cause problems for public transport and emergency services. Read more 👉 https://t.co/ZeITgP9P6F pic.twitter.com/7teQmOK94p
— Harrow Online (@harrowonline) September 25, 2021
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “We have ample fuel stocks in this country and the public should be reassured there are no shortages.
“But like countries around the world, we are suffering from a temporary COVID-related shortage of drivers needed to move supplies around the country.
#Wealdstone is gridlocked this morning due to petrol queues.
📱Binoy Shah pic.twitter.com/8P8XIqJG3i
— Harrow Online (@harrowonline) September 25, 2021
“We’re looking at temporary measures to avoid any immediate problems, but any measures we introduce will be very strictly time limited.
“We are moving to a high wage, high skilled economy and businesses will need to adapt with more investment in recruitment and training to provide long-term resilience.”
