ESSEX motorists are facing testing times as the price of fuel hit an all time high.

Average petrol prices have hit 120p a litre, eclipsing the previous peak of 119.7 in July 2008.

The RAC says it comes just days after the 1p a litre fuel duty rise on April 1 and with oil prices increasing, the future looks bleak for motorists.

The increase has been put down to the weak pound, the increase in the wholesale price of fuel and the tax rises since December 2008 adding around 10p to the cost of a litre of fuel.

As well as motorists battling the rise, emergency services are also feeling the effects of the increase as they try to keep their vehicles on the road.

The East of England Ambulance Service, which covers Essex, said the price of fuel had been taken into consideration in its annual budget, but admitted it would have an impact on future budgets if petrol prices continued to rise.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it had fuel reserves to call on if needed.

Essex Police said they would not be affected by the increase, but warned motorists and petrol stations to be vigilant over the theft of fuel.

Keith Brown, from the Essex Federation of Small Businesses, warned the prices would cause problems for firms. He said: “High fuel prices cause problems for businesses as they add to their costs at a time when it is not possible to increase prices to their customers.

“The increase in fuel duty, plus the VAT on that fuel duty, is another additional cost.

“All types of businesses are affected by high fuel prices, but taxi firms, courier companies and haulage businesses are affected particularly badly.”