The home secretary said most of the protesters were peaceful but he published a list of 180 documented cases of intimidation of tanker drivers. Preventing law abiding people from going about their business and threatening the well-being of the country is not. The incidents range from verbal abuse and threats, to objects thrown from bridges and physical intimidation. 12 September - Protesters took a photograph of a tanker driver and told him it would appear on the internet. 13 September - A brick was thrown through a cab window, showering the driver with glass.
Campaigners say stories of intimidation have been exaggerated.
They are calling for a 26.2p per litre cut in fuel duty and have threatened to blockade London with up to 25,000 lorries should their demands be ignored. Mr Straw said government action was restricted by the need to keep interest rates low, supporting pensioners and continuing investment in the public sector such as schools, transport and police. He warned those thinking of staging future blockades as the protesters' 60 day deadline expires in 11 days' time. Those now seeking further disruption must understand that the demands they have made could not be met without great damage to jobs and industry, to essential services including the NHS, to pensioners and children. Tory leader William Hague was also expected to appeal to protesters not to make families suffer.