A SAMPFORD Brett petrol station owner is calling for motorists to strike as petrol prices are set to hit a record high in the upcoming weeks.

Julian Vardy, of Quantock Service Station, claims he could face closure at the end of the year if fuel prices continue to increase – and is urging drivers to take a stance against Government taxes.

Higher fuel duty and a month-long protest at the French port of Marseille, an important refining centre, means unleaded could soon hit £1.25. And worse could come in the new year as fuel duty is set to rise again by 76p and VAT will rise from 17.5 per cent, to 20 per cent.

Julian said: “We should be taxed as much as we are, plain and simple. But the little man won’t alter it. I think we should strike and show the Government who’s boss, as we put them in power. Unless people do that, nothing will happen.”

He has owned the garage for 20 years and said petrol consumption has dropped from 40,000 litres a week to 8,000, and gross profit has dropped from 4.5p to 1.5p.

He said: “People aren’t filling up as much and I can’t blame them, they’ve only got so much money in their pockets. Older customers are giving up driving earlier because they just can’t afford it.”

The UK government spending plans contained a commitment to review the use of the £185 million renewable energy fund, the fossil fuel levy.