TANKER drivers at a Hampshire oil terminal could strike over plans to transfer work to parcel delivery giant DHL.

Hamble based Drivers for oil firm Total are fuming over moves to break up a national distribution network and are to vote on a strike.

Unions warned any action would have a "big effect" on the French owned firm's operations.

Although owned by BP, Total have a deal to use the facility to supply its petrol stations across the region.

Current tanker contractor Wincanton is to lose its national coverage after Total decided to switch south west deliveries to DHL, familiar to many from doorstep deliveries.

Ron Webb, from the T&G section of super union Unite, said drivers were "angry and appalled" at Total's decision to end the one national contract to replace it with three separate ones.

"There are two hundred and seventy drivers across the UK who will be involved," he said. "If they go out it will have a big effect on Total."

Dates for the ballot have yet to be confirmed but according to Mr Webb, if the process runs smoothly any national ballot could be held and completed by the middle of August.

It is too early to say when any action would take place.

A Total spokesman said: "We regularly review all our supply contracts across the UK.''