EXMOUTH motorists fed-up with expensive petrol prices are calling on the Government to hit the brake on plans to increase the cost of fuel.

Drivers have been speaking to The Journal about their frustration over having to pay what most claim are ‘extortionate’ prices for filling up.

The cost of petrol is rising at the highest rate for 10 years.

According to the AA, average prices between mid-December and the middle of this month increased, on average, from 122.14p per litre to a new record, seen at some filling stations in Exmouth, of 128.27p.

A further duty increase on fuel is expected in April.

Ian Mckenzie, 69, of Brook Meadow, Brixington Lane, is appalled by the rising cost.

“I think the level of tax imposed on the price of petrol makes it increasingly unaffordable,” he added.

“I’m a retired person on a pension and both me and my wife are having to cut down on the amount of driving that we do.”

Barry Hardman, 61, from Exmouth, said: “It is an easy way of raising money but it does not seem that it is ploughed back into the road infrastructure.

“The amount of potholes, for instance, spread around the place is disgraceful, and we have one of the highest levels of road congestion in Europe.”

Julia Kempson, 55, of Douglas Avenue, said: “We have limited incomes down in the West Country. These sort of (fuel) increases are going to hit the poorest families the hardest.

“It used to be quite cheap for a day out up to the likes of Dartmoor but this is not going to be the case any more.”

Jenny Champion, 65, a regular visitor to Exmouth, said: “I’m not in favour of the price of fuel going up again at the rate it is at the moment.

“I think the Government should do something about it and reduce the tax.”

The frustration vented by Exmouth motorists follows plans revealed in last week’s Journal by Woodbury businessman Laurance Poole to allow staff from his haulage firm to take part in a road blockade in protest to the rising prices.

Mr Poole said his company, Aardvark Excavations, were one of the leading local firms involved in protests a number of years ago – blockades that brought parts of the country to a standstill when petrol pumps ran dry.

“It is something we would consider doing again if somebody organised it,” he said.

“With the rising costs, it is like the noose is tightening all the time.”