FLEET managers of utility firms, potentially wielding the biggest power in influencing the fuel pricing debate because of the millions they spend every year on petrol and diesel, say the need to maintain public services means they are unable to back the forthcoming 'boycott the pumps' day.

The heads of fleets at companies like British Gas and the Royal Mail say while they may privately back the campaign to reverse the 'horrendous' increases in prices, their drivers must be allowed to continue their jobs.

The comments come in response to a web-based campaign launched by salesmen Chris Longhurst and Neil Woodier, calling for drivers to boycott filling stations on August 1 and every Monday in an attempt to get the Government to reduce taxation on fuel.

As the momentum behind the campaign grew, the Government effectively ruled out any chance of it succeeding, claiming the motorist had already benefited from millions of pounds in tax breaks since Labour came to power.