POLICE stopped a petrol station pumping out free fuel to motorists after it created chaos.

Hundreds of drivers queued from 7.30am to get their hands on £20 of fuel for free at the Jet garage in London Road, Chipping Norton.

Tyre maker Goodyear launched the publicity stunt to promote a new tyre, giving motorists the chance to avoid the garage’s prices of 121.90p a litre for unleaded and 125.90p for diesel for a day.

It had put aside about £12,000 worth of fuel and about 600 drivers were expected to make use of the offer between 7.30-9.30am and 5-7pm.

However, at 5.30pm, managers called off the giveaway after complaints from residents about the “overwhelming” numbers of cars trying to get into the garage.

Onlookers said drivers were not allowed to queue to get into the forecourt, but were being asked to keep driving up and down the road until a space became available.

Pc Michael Anderton, based at Chipping Norton, said: “We received many complaints from residents about the traffic.

“After a friendly discussion with the promotion organisers the fuel giveaway stopped, which remedied the situation. The organiser was more than helpful.”

Lee Southen, who co-ordinated the publicity for the event, said it had been called off “due to the overwhelming response to Goodyear’s free fuel activity” and advice from the police.

He said he was unable to comment further as an investigation was under way as to why the giveaway had to be stopped.

Speaking during the morning rush hour yesterday, Steve Davies, 43, from Chipping Norton, said the free fuel was a boost for his dry stone walling company.

He said: “It’s a little Christmas present come early.

“I should imagine the queues will get worse. The word will get out and Chipping Norton will probably come to a standstill.”

Garage manager Raj Tharmalingam said: “People are rushing back to bring their next car. Free petrol, you never hear of it.”

Goodyear has run other events at Gateshead, where police had to be called to break up queues, and Horsham, West Sussex.

Michelle Fisher, Goodyear brand manager, said: “We get through many, many happy, happy people. It’s an exciting thing to be bringing this to a small town as well.”