PETROL prices are set to rise by up to 4p a litre. That means motorists are facing the prospect of the £4 gallon.

Whichever measurement you use, it is clear we are paying a very high price for our petrol.

The British traditionally accepted the cost of motoring with stoicism. That attitude is beginning to change, however. Motorists are increasingly willing to make their anger known.

Ministers kept a low profile during the first protest. To their relief the Dump The Pump campaign was not a huge success; but if they believed that was the end of the matter they are in for a shock.

The likelihood of further action is being boosted by two international events.

Firstly, there is the looming £4 gallon, a direct result of OPEC, the Middle East cartel, limiting oil production. British motorists view it as an increase too far, whoever is to blame

Then there is the situation in France. Fishermen have already forced boat fuel prices down by direct action. Now road hauliers are blockading oil refineries as they demand a cut in fuel tax. British holidaymakers face the prospect of being stranded as French petrol stations run dry.

Naturally, the success of direct action on the Continent has set many wondering whether this is the best way to make our Government take notice. There is a growing militancy among British road hauliers in particular, who already pay far more for fuel than their French counterparts.

If Tony Blair wishes to prevent the scenes of chaos across the Channel being repeated here, he must take action now.

By dropping the fuel tax escalator, the Government abandoned its pretence that high fuel tax was an environmental measure. Ministers have since started to promote motoring by boosting the road building programme and cutting the price of new cars.

So Mr Blair should have no qualms in cutting fuel tax by 2p a litre, as suggested by the RAC. Otherwise, he will drive motorists to take direct action.