Oops, sorry we've put wrong fuel in pumps

FILLING your car with the wrong type of fuel is a mistake most of us wouldn't want to admit to.

But Tunbridge Wells motorist Giles West, whose Audi S3 began pumping out white smoke shortly after filling up at a Sainsbury's petrol station, can legitimately claim it wasn't his fault after a delivery driver topped up the wrong tank with diesel, affecting up to 100 cars.

FORECOURT FOLLY: Giles West who filled up his car from the unleaded petrol dispenser at the Sainsbury's filling station at Otford, only to discover that it had dispensed diesel instead AH2302102/5
FORECOURT FOLLY: Giles West, of Broadmead in Tunbridge Wells, who filled up his car from the unleaded petrol dispenser at the Sainsbury's filling station at Otford, only to discover that it had dispensed diesel instead AH2302102/7

Office worker Mr West, of Broadmead, paid £65 for unleaded petrol to fill up his car in Otford on Friday, but was forced to call the AA shortly afterwards.

He said: "My car wasn't very happy.

"I filled up and pulled into Homebase nearby and the car wouldn't run properly.

"The AA checked it out and followed me back to my local garage, where it was refilled.

"The car seems to be running OK now."

He said Sainsbury's had been very apologetic and had paid the £260 repair bill from the garage and the cost of his petrol.

But now the supermarket faces a bill for thousands of pounds after reports of up to 100 motorists being affected.

A spokesman said: "Following a technical problem at our Sevenoaks petrol filling station on Friday, a small number of cars have experienced some mechanical problems.

"As soon as we were made aware of the situation we closed down the filling station and called in experts who have now resolved the issue.

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and urge anyone who believes their car was affected to contact our customer care line on 0800 636 262. We have had 60 complaints."

Typical repairs costs to fix petrol vehicles filled with diesel and vice-versa can be £300 and the Forge garage in Seal dealt with 48 cases.

Tony Snook, who works at TS Car Recovery, said he spent three days ferrying cars to Forge Garage, in Church Road, Seal.

"I have collected about 30 cars," he said. "Most people were actually quite calm and just accepted it was a mistake."

Scott Atkins, senior specialist at Forge Garage, said the firm had taken on and repaired 48 cars from Sainsbury's since Friday.

"Most people have been alright, but we have had one or two that were very angry," he said.

"They were obviously very upset about their cars. It is quite hard when they take it out on us – it has been quite good for business though."