UK motorists are being urged to buy fuel only if they need it, as tanker driver start a four day strike over pay.

The tanker drivers, that deliver fuel to Shell forecourts in the UK, went on strike this morning and have picketed numerous sites throughout the UK.

A last ditch meeting, aimed at resolving the issue ended without agreement as the Unite Union rejected an enhanced pay offer.

It is thought that the knock on effects of the strike will be felt almost immediately.

The government has the option of using “emergency response tools” in the event of fuel shortages, these include; limiting the amount of fuel that customers are allowed to buy at one time, prioritising the supply of fuel to the emergency services and other key services and encouraging drivers to use less fuel.

A government spokesperson said that these emergency measures had not yet been implemented. The strike is due to continue until 6am on Tuesday.