Energy – British Soldiers on duty from Monday

LONDON (AP) – Troops are to be deployed from Monday to avoid ongoing fuel shortages at UK gas stations in Britain.

The seat of government, Downing Street, announced on Saturday that it would provide “temporary” aid to nearly 200 members of the armed forces, including 100 truck drivers. In addition, the government has extended its offers to foreign truck drivers. A maximum of 300 foreign drivers must immediately obtain work visas, which must be valid until March. Until now, the government had tried to attract foreign applicants to the island on temporary visas until Christmas.

There have been extreme bottlenecks at several service stations in Britain for over a week. Many are closed. Long lines form in the rest. It is said that the situation has improved in some parts of the country. According to a large association of service stations, this does not apply to London and the South East. Brian Madeson, head of the BBC’s Petrol Retailers Association, said on Saturday that the situation had improved in parts of Scotland, the north of England and the Midlands, while in the south it was “at worst “.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 211002-99-451464 / 2