The fuel crisis has led to people resorting to unusual methods to carry on with their lives.

At Brighton estate agents Bonetts, staff have taken to bikes to get around central Brighton.

Paul Bonett, director of the estate agents which has offices in St George's Road, Kemp Town, and at Preston Park railway station, said: "We have five bikes for use at our two offices and we are making greater use of them during this shortage.

"We find them very good for getting around Brighton and getting to appointments on time without being delayed by parking.

"Clients are sometimes surprised when our staff arrive by bike."

But while the estate agents are not suffering too badly, the crisis is having a devastating effect on others.

A German couple were stranded at a caravan site near Eastbourne last night without enough diesel to get to Dover.

Sue Wells, assistant warden at the Camping and Caravanning Club in Norman's Bay, said: "It's very worrying. It's going to affect business because people can't get to the site and even if they did get here they can't go anywhere.

"The revenue will be down - people are not turning up.

"The people who are still here are panicking, especially the German couple."