AN AMBULANCE service has pleaded with drivers not to panic buy fuel as long queues could slow down emergency vehicles.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb), which serves Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex, urged drivers to be “sensible” and not panic buy fuel amid fears long queues could cause emergency teams to get stuck.

A spokesman for Secamb said: “We have sufficient fuel stocks and are continuing to work with our partners to monitor the situation while supporting staff.

The Argus: Secamb has urged drivers to be "sensible" and to not panic buy fuelSecamb has urged drivers to be "sensible" and to not panic buy fuel

“We urge the public to be sensible, only buy the fuel they require and, as ever, be aware when driving of any blue light vehicle looking to progress through traffic.”

The panic buying of petrol shows no sign of ending, retailers have warned, as filling stations in many parts of the county continue to run dry.

Yesterday, The Argus reported that some nurses are doctors in Sussex are struggling to buy the petrol and diesel needed to allow them to travel to work.

It is understood that staff working anti-social hours, such as morning and evening shifts, have been particularly affected because of limited public transport options during these times.

Long queues have formed outside stations again today after the government announced it was putting the army on standby in an effort to ensure supplies were maintained.

There were long tailbacks in Hangleton Road, Hove this morning as motorists queued for fuel.

The Argus: Queues at the petrol station in Station Approach, HoveQueues at the petrol station in Station Approach, Hove

Several motorists were heard blaring their horns in frustration as a lone forecourt attendant marshals traffic.

There were also queues for the last remaining drops of fuel at the Esso garage in Station Approach, Hove.

Ministers announced late on Monday that soldiers were being put on standby to deliver fuel, amid concerns that a shortage of tanker drivers was threatening the ability of the oil companies to maintain supplies.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson originally drew back from activating Operation Escalin – first drawn up to deal with the aftermath of Brexit – for troops to fill in and drive tankers.

The government had been hoping that the queues would ease as people returned to more normal buying patterns.

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