PETROL panic hit Hillingdon, despite the Unite union ruling out an Easter weekend strike and entering into peace talks next week.

The Government changed its advice to motorists yesterday by saying that topping up petrol tanks was no longer necessary.

This came after two days of queues at the pumps, with some customers waiting more than an hour for service.

Murco petrol station in Mill Road, West Drayton, said on Friday it had no petrol or diesel left.

These Hillingdon residents gave me their views on the situation.

Leah and Gordan Curl: “We didn’t panic buy and we think it is ridiculous. There are queues onto the road and its causing more problems for everyone. It is the Government’s fault for telling everyone to fill up.”

Olly Weston: “I didn’t panic buy because this will all blow over and I have used public transport while it was going on. Bio fuels have not been researched and we are reliant on fossil fuels. There is no back-up plan. I agree with the right to strike, otherwise we are slaves.”

Tori Salmon, Billie Tolind and Jessica Brookes: “They have to give seven days notice before they strike so we won’t run out of petrol. They shouldn’t be allowed to strike if it’s directly affecting people’s day-to-day lives and their work. It’s not fair and it’s the union’s fault.”

Ian Barr: “We didn’t panic buy because the unions haven’t even set a date for the strikes yet, so there is no need. Maybe, if there was a strike, we would top up.”