Car drivers were today urged to cause gridlock throughout the country in protest at the expectation that the government will increase the cost of a litre of petrol by 1.28p.

The action is being co-ordinated by Andrew Spence, who has been an activist for the farming and fuel lobbies.

"We are asking the public on Wednesday at 8.30am to park up in the road or wherever they are for one minute," he said. "In doing this we are sending a clear and direct message to the government that we will not tolerate this price increase.

"This is a plea to all motorists, hauliers and taxi-drivers - whoever is affected by this excessive fuel tax. It is not up to the government; it is up to the public, it is up to every motorist in the country."

Early indications this morning suggest there was little public support for the protest.