Two of James Irlam & Son's fleet showed solidarity by helping to turn Park Lane into a huge lorry park, which brought parts of the capital to a standstill for five hours.

"We wanted to go and support people," said company spokesman Olivia Norbury.

"We don't want to have this 'I'm all right Jack' attitude. We have to help."

But the protest by 1,500 drivers fell on deaf ears.

Roads Minister John Reid said the Government would not back down. Irlams spent £8,500,000 on fuel last year. This year - due to Budget increases - it faces a bill of £9,350,000. Last year vehicle excise duty cost the Knutsford Road-based firm £802,500. This year it will be almost £1.5million.

Yesterday, Mrs Norbury said Irlams may now be forced to register abroard to benefit from much lower European fuel and tax charges.

"These increases are massive and could be the death knell for many smaller haulage companies," she said.

On April 9 MP Martin Bell and borough councillor Dog PAge will meet representatives from Irlams to discuss the crisis.

"We want to give them a hand and will be offering our full support," said Clr Page. "As an MP Martin Bell has much more clout. That is why I invited him along."

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