A BASINGSTOKE petrol station has placed a cap on the amount of money drivers can spend on fuel in a bid to help as many people as possible fill up.

Gales Garage, in Aldermaston Road, Sherborne St John posted a message on social media to say it has fuel, but it has introduced various rules.

It said: “We are doing our best to keep you all moving – which is why we have some temporary rules with regards to filling up to help us help you.”

These includes limiting the spend to £30 for fuel; asking drivers to enter from the Tadley end; and warning drivers that it is against the law to fill up non-fuel bottles.

“Please do not try, we are not allowed to let you fill them with petrol,” it said, adding: “Abuse will not be tolerated.”

When the Gazette tried to speak to a member of staff at Gales Garage, they said they were too busy to talk, adding: “We have lots of crazy people trying to get fuel.”

The ongoing fuel shortage crisis has seen lengthy queues outside petrol stations as soaring demand has seen forecourts run out of fuel, including various garages in Basingstoke.

The arm is now on standby to help ease fuel supply problems after a fourth day of long queues and pump closures.

Up to 150 military tanker drivers will prepare to deliver to forecourts which have run out of fuel.

Panic buying began last week as motorists feared a driver shortage would hit fuel supply.

The UK is estimated to be short of more than 100,000 lorry drivers, which has caused problems for a range of industries in recent months including food suppliers and supermarkets.

Are you experiencing problems caused by the fuel shortage? Get in touch by emailing emily.roberts@newsquest.co.uk.