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Truck drivers in Italy were due to have a meeting with government officials after their blockades brought the country to a halt this week.

Truckers were protesting about high fuel prices and the lack of secure truck parking in the country.

According to retired British trucker John Pike, who lives near Turin, representatives for the protesters hope to persuade the government to cut fuel duty for hauliers and provide safe places for them to park after a increasing crime rate against  drivers forced to park up in industrial estates or side roads.

“The three-day blockades were very effective. They still left one lane open on the motorways for the cars, but prevented CV movements.

“While cheaper fuel is available for operators that have it delivered to their yards directly, there is no rebate available for buying it on the forecourt. There is also a huge problem with thieving and attacks of drivers when they are parked up.”