Diesel blamed for station chaos
Diesel fuel being mistakenly sold through unleaded petrol pumps could be to blame for bringing dozens of motorists to a grinding halt.
An investigation has been launched into what caused the problem at the Texaco garage in Western Springs Road, Rugeley, where as many as 40 motorists could have been affected.
Texaco has taken fuel samples away for testing and around eight nozzles at the garage are thought to be affected. They have been switched off by the garage until the problem is sorted.
Manager Russell Orme said the other 22 nozzles at the station were working fine, with no problems reported, and he was aware of only 20 cars affected.
Angry motorists began complaining to the garage on Friday. One of those caught out was local councillor Tony Williams.
He said: "The mechanics have told me it was pure diesel in my tank and my receipt says I bought unleaded."
Station manager Russell Orme apologised to customers saying: "I have been doing this for 10 years and this is the first problem I have ever had. It doesn't do my reputation any good. We did the best we could as soon as we found out there was a problem and we have done nothing wrong."
Mr Orme, aged 41, added: "I'm just the franchisee and it's Texaco who supply the fuel to us. My wife was subjected to ridiculous abuse."
An AA spokesman said anyone affected should keep their receipts and a sample of the fuel and then complain to the station under the Sales of Goods Act.
