The fuel crisis cost Sussex Police more than £74,000, according to Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse.

Most of the money went on overtime as extra officers were called in to deal with the Shoreham fuel depot blockade and traffic congestion caused by petrol queues.

Mr Whitehouse said overtime costs were still being processed but early indications were that the bill would be in the order of £74,000, which will come out of the force's budget.

Details of the force's response to last month's crisis, codenamed Operation Hawkshead, were released in a report by the Chief Constable today.

They revealed anger within Sussex Police at the way the force found itself powerless to clear the blockade at the Shoreham Harbour fuel depot, which supplies about 75 per cent of Sussex garages.

Mr Whitehouse said the blockade was on private land and the owner (Shoreham Port Authority) did not require police assistance and did not ask the protesters to leave.

He said police powers were severely limited in such circumstances, despite some Government sources' suggestions that police should clear the blockades.

He said: "It is very important that Government departments do not issue statements that cause confusion and unfortunate misunderstandings in the mind of the public concerning to powers of the police to intervene and manage certain situations.

"In addition, the Government may wish to review the police powers in relation to dealing with this type of demonstration on private property because current legislation does not allow proactive police intervention."

Mr Whitehouse said extra traffic officers were called in to tackle a heightened risk of crashes, and police support units were available to deal with any outbreaks of disorder.

He said: "Thankfully, disorder was very limited, with drivers generally showing restraint."

An internal Intranet site was set up to provide officers with latest developments, and will remain for future major incidents.