Esso may think they are unstoppable, but we refuse to let them carry on wrecking our planet

Jo Allen, Friends of the Earth

The Stop Esso campaign is backed by Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and other groups.

It claims thousands turned out at garages to hand leaflets to motorists and to wave placards.

Jo Allen of Friends of the Earth in Birmingham said: "As consumers we do have the power to make these large corporations accountable for their actions.

"If enough people join the campaign and refuse to buy from Esso it sends them a clear message.

"Esso may think they are unstoppable, but we refuse to let them carry on wrecking our planet."

We believe that action is needed to address the serious long-term risks posed by climate change and we are taking action in our own business

Esso statement

Darren Johnson, principal speaker for the Green Party and a member of the London Assembly, was joined by around 20 protesters in Maida Vale, London.

He said: "This is an extremely high-profile campaign that will run and run.

"We want people across the country to be aware that the behaviour of this international business is simply unacceptable.

Esso 'smeared'

"We've had a good response from drivers today and our campaign will continue to grow and grow."

In a statement Esso said: "We strongly refute the allegations they make and deplore their attempts to smear our name in this way.

"Climate change, referred to by many as global warming, is an important global issue that we take very seriously.

"We believe that action is needed to address the serious long-term risks posed by climate change and we are taking action in our own business.

'Best record'

"These actions, which range from massive energy-saving projects to state-of-the-art fuel cell vehicle technology, will continue to deliver significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide."

Esso spokesman David Eglinton added: "Esso's environmental track record is among the best in the industry worldwide.

"In the UK, we have set the pace over the years in introducing cleaner fuels to customers.

"We hope that motorists will see through the barrage of misinformation surrounding the day of action."

There were no reports of any arrests in connection with today's protests.