But members of this own organisation are warning that the protests may have run out of steam.

So far a mass convoy of lorries descending on the UK capital has simply failed to materialise.

On Sunday the number of farmers and hauliers making the journey from the north east stood at just 30.

Co-chairman of the People's Fuel Lobby Mark Francis has said he now feels that the protests have run their course.

But Mr Handley has told BBC Wales that the believes that the hauliers remain united.

He blames "character assassination" on him by the media for any apparent splits.

He has also attacked the stance of one of the original leading voices of protests, Flintshire farmer Brynle Williams, who has been calling on the convoy to disband.

The People's Fuel Lobby convoy - which follows a 60-day moratorium laid down by the protesters after the September oil refinery blockades - has completed the third leg of their go-slow convoy from the North East to London.

The third day of the cross country journey ended as Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon insisted there were "real" security concerns that terrorists could infiltrate the convoy.

His fears were prompted by the discovery of a bomb outside Belfast, believed to have been destined for London.

Disappointing numbers

The People's Fuel Lobby, involved in the September fuel protests, had hoped hundreds of lorries would make the long journey south to highlight what they see as excessive duty on fuel.

But Mr Spence insisted the convoy was still strong, and disputed that numbers were disappointing.

He told BBC News 24 the convoy was getting the message across and there would not be a return to the direct action protests.

"We won't be going back to the refineries, we will not be picketing supermarkets," he said.

"We are just doing our peaceful protest to make the country and the chancellor aware that we are not suited."

Police have used legal action to keep strict controls on the convoy's speed and routes to prevent disruption.

The drivers face a police exclusion zone to stop them entering the capital on Tuesday and many will have to use public transport to attend the rally.

The convoy follows a 60-day moratorium laid down by the protesters after the September oil refinery blockades.

Click here to return