Motorist do not appear to be panic buying petrol.

Service stations in and around the County Town say they are busy, but only a few customers appear to be panic buying.

Drivers across the UK were urged not hoard petrol after talks to avert a strike broke down.

About 600 tanker drivers who deliver to Shell forecourts began a four-day strike over pay today and there are fears their actions could lead to other petrol stations running dry.

A spokeswoman at Texaco garage, Ashford Road, Maidstone, said: "We have been busy, although Fridays are normally busy anyway. People aren't panicking."

At Sainsbury's service station, Aylesford, a spokesman said: "It's been busy, but people are not panic buying. There are no queues at the moment, it's almost normal."

Tesco's, Grove Green, Maidstone, also reported no panic buying.

However, it was a different story at Ashwal Garage, Wilsley Pound, Cranbrook, which sells Shell.

Owner Tony Pritchard said: "We had a delivery on Monday and expect another one on Tuesday night. During the last two days we have sold 15 to 30 per cent more fuel than usual.

"People are being stupid. If they had carried on with their usual buying patterns of £10 or £15 a week rather than £30 there would not be a problem."