Motorists on the M25 were hit by jams today as hundreds of truckers began a 48-hour demonstration.

Around 1,000 lorry drivers circled the motorway in their protest against hikes in fuel and road tax prices.

The hauliers insist their action is not a blockade but police warned motorists to avoid using the M25 if possible.

Geoffrey Markham, Essex Police operations assistant chief constable, said feeder roads to the M25 were also hit.

"We will not be tolerant of anything resulting in lawlessness," he warned lorry drivers.

Hauliers are angry at the recent price increases in the Budget and some fear they could go out of business.

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