MEMBERS of Unite union have announced tanker drivers will not strike over Easter to allow more time for peace talks.

The news comes as hundreds of drivers across the Cotswolds have been panic buying fuel in fear of running empty over the break.

Garages across the Cotswolds have seen non-stop queues forming, with some backing onto roads.

The dash has come after government ministers told the nation to top up their fuel tanks in case of a tanker drivers’ strike.

This was despite the fact that a strike had not been announced and unions must give seven days notice before action can take place.

Unite's drivers, who deliver fuel to supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's along with Shell and Esso garages, have called for minimum standards for pay, hours, holiday and redundancy.

Sisters Caroline and Anthea Saunders, from Cirencester, joined the queue at Tesco Kingsmeadow in Cirencester yesterday, which backed up to the McDonald’s roundabout. They said they depended on fuel to keep their cleaning business going and were not prepared to be left high and dry.

“We’re self employed - so no petrol, no work, no money,” Anthea said. “It’s a case of do as the others and don’t get caught out.”