Faversham-based haulier Peter Knight says he is "optimistic" that the Government will listen to truckers after their protests yesterday.

A convoy led by Kent lorry drivers handed a petition demanding a 25p a litre rebate on fuel duty to Gordon Brown at Downing Street - and say the Government now has a week to respond.

Around 80 lorries left the Farthing Corner service station on the M2 at Gillingham to protest against rocketing fuel prices.

They were joined in the capital by hundreds of other trucks.

Kent protest organiser Mr Knight, of Les Knight Transport, said he was "optimistic" the demonstration had been successful.

The hauliers plan to give the Government up to a week to issue a statement or there would be further protests at oil refineries and ports.

Diesel now costs more than £1.20 a litre, which UK lorry drivers claim makes them uncompetitive when compared to continental Europe.

Mr Knight said: "We have a serious problem within the industry.

"People are losing their businesses, it's just not right. We need action now."

The Freight Transport Association, which is are supporting the action, estimates that fuel will rise by another 4p per litre in the coming weeks.