Travel Warning For Britons Heading To France

British holidaymakers driving to France this weekend have been warned to fill up their tanks before they leave the UK, as fuel shortages have resulted in pump closures and long queues.

Motorists should aim to refill at every opportunity and "accept rationing", breakdown companies have announced.

Thousands of people are expected to head to France this bank holiday weekend, and while the RAC said people should not cancel their plans, it has warned that finding could prove "extremely difficult".

A dispute between the government and unions over proposed labour reforms means some 12,000 petrol stations across the country are without petrol or running low on fuel.

But riot police have now cleared all but one of the nation's fuel depot blockades and a French government official says the "situation is improving everywhere".

Simon Williams, a spokesman for the RAC, advised travellers: "If you are just about to go to France, you should fill up in the UK before your crossing to give you the best chance of reaching your destination in one go.

"We suspect finding somewhere to fill up in the worst-affected areas will be extremely difficult."

The bank holiday weekend is expected to be the busiest in three years, according to the company.

Green Flag said it was experiencing a 14% increase in the number of British drivers reporting fuel-related breakdowns in France, while the RAC has said it is no longer able to help its members find fuel in the country.

RAC spokeman Simon Peevers said those in search of petrol should "be prepared to have to queue".

Despite the shortages, P&O Ferries are warning passengers they are not allowed to take more than five litres of spare fuel on board.

A spokesman for the ferry operator said the situation in France is "continuing to improve".

Rosie Sanderson, from the AA, cautioned drivers against seeking out a better price for petrol across the channel, and said drivers should "top up their tanks when they can rather than risk running out".

It is thought that fuel shortages are concentrated in northern France, but are also affecting central, western and southern regions.

Motorists have been advised to check Essence , a website which indicates the availability of fuel around France.

Drivers already in the country are being urged to stay put if they do not have enough fuel to return home on one tank.