Congestion continues to build up around Epping and Harlow petrol sations amid driver shortages.

Essex police has issued a warning after it received more than 100 calls in 24 hours from people about petrol station traffic queues.

It said it knew the situation was "frustrating" but unless there was a collision or a crime had been committed it was not a reason to call.

They have asked the public not to call 999 or 101 unless it was for emergencies or crime-related issues.

It appears that petrol stations in Epping and Harlow continue to be busy this morning (Monday).

According to Google maps there is slow moving traffic near a number of petrol stations in Harlow- the dark red line indicates congestion.

This Is Local London: Harlow congestion around petrol stations. Credit: Google MapsHarlow congestion around petrol stations. Credit: Google Maps

Deputy Leader of Harlow council, Cllr Joel Charles tweeted:"The Government has said there is no fuel shortage at refineries.

"I am concerned about the scale of panic buying that is taking place at petrol stations in Harlow, forcing several to close as a result.

Please keep to normal levels of consumption."

Long ques have built up in Epping, particually near Rock's Epping Harvest in Thornwood.

This Is Local London:

It is estimated that the UK is short of about 100,000 HGV drivers - with gaps made worse by the pandemic and Brexit.

BP said on Thursday (September 23) that up to 100 of its forecourts were short of at least one grade of fuel- with several forced to close entirely because of a lack of deliveries.  

Esso said a handful of its petrol stations operated alongside Tesco Express stores were affected, while some of the supermarket chain’s own-branded sites were also suffering outages.