But slightly more people thought fuel is still too expensive and the government did not go far enough. In the end the vote was decided on a majority of just over 100 votes. Since the original fuel protest though, the landscape has changed. A LineOne poll at the time of the blockades in September recorded massive support for the fuel protestors. But this time, the government was ready for them.
All eyes are on the fuel lobby s next move.
Leaders of the People s Fuel Lobby threatened more action in the new year. However, it was reported that senior figures in the movement are not expecting this to happen. The Freight Transport Association has also distanced itself from the protest. The association s leadership welcomed the Chancellor s measures to reduce the cost of ultra-low sulphur fuel and cut vehicle excise duty. A major security operation involving the police, Special Branch and even M15 ensured the protests did not cripple the country again.