ENVIRONMENTALISTS have criticised fuel protesters for staging a "go-slow" convoy through Hampshire.

Members of the Green Party say the lorry drivers should have conserved fuel by staging their demonstration on foot.

The truckers gathered outside Fawley Refinery on Tuesday to voice their anger at the soaring cost of diesel.

They said the government should cut tax on fuel to prevent smaller firms being driven out of businesses by escalating overheads.

When tanker drivers refused to support the protest by suspending deliveries, the hauliers drove in convoy to Ringwood and back to highlight the issue.

A total of 13 vehicles took two hours to complete the 50-mile round trip.

Huge tailbacks built up on the A31, one of Hampshire's busiest roads, as the lorries trundled along at speeds as low as 20mph.

Green Party spokesman Joe Cox said: "The protesters have some responsibility for conserving fuel and minimising the impact to the environment and should have demonstrated on foot.

"They could have marched around a town or city, waving messages of goodwill to show the public how much they care about the environment."

John Spottiswoode, the Green Party candidate for Southampton Test, expressed similar views.

He said: "Fossil fuels are too valuable to waste on a 100-gallon joyride around the countryside, causing congestion and failing to address the real problems we all face - climate change, fuel shortages and the need to develop alternative, safer fuels."

Convoy leader Chris Hunter rejected claims the protest should have been made on foot.

He said: "I find that suggestion highly laughable, given the amount of traffic on the roads. Everything is delivered by truck - they're essential."

Mr Hunter said motorists had supported the convoy by waving at the truckers and giving them the thumbs-up sign.

For more on the 2005 General Election campaign see pages 8 & 9 of today's Daily Echo.